Riff Tone

Beat the Devil's Tattoo

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarMartin Acoustic (exact model unspecified, likely D-15 or D-28 based on era and band history)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (studio recording, as referenced in interviews and rig rundowns for this song/era)

PickupsAcoustic pickup (model unspecified, likely piezo or soundhole magnetic as per interview, but not confirmed for studio recording)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Notes

Studio recording, 2009-2010. Robert Levon Been played a Martin acoustic with a pickup through a Fender Twin Reverb for the main riff section of 'Beat the Devil's Tattoo'. Some sources mention use of bass cabinets live, but for the studio recording the Twin Reverb is most likely. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is confirmed on the album. No evidence of electric guitar for the main riff; the main riff is played on acoustic with effects.

Tone Character(10)

raw and grittymidrange punchpercussive attackswampy blues-rock feelslightly compressednot a clean acoustic soundwarm but with edgeorganic breakuproomy ambiencedynamic response to picking

Difficulty

The riff is moderately challenging due to the alternate tuning and the need for tight, percussive playing, but does not require advanced lead techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Members, Gear & Sound Rig tour: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club | MusicRadar BEAT THE DEVILS TATTOO TAB by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

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