Solo Tone

Black

Pearl Jam

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1960 Fender Stratocaster

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (vintage 1960 Stratocaster set)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Mike McCready used his 1960 Stratocaster for the solo on 'Black' from Pearl Jam's 'Ten'. Amp is a Marshall JCM800, as confirmed by multiple sources for the 'Ten' sessions. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this solo.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainsmooth and expressivevocal-like bendsclassic rock crunchtouch-sensitiveclear articulationwarm upper midsslightly overdrivennot overly saturatedhint of amp reverb

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate lead technique, including expressive bends, vibrato, and dynamic phrasing to match the vocal-like quality of the original. While not technically fast, the emotional delivery and sustain control add to the challenge.

Sources

Learn the rhythm and soloing styles of Pearl Jam's Mike McCready | Guitar World Mike McCready's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Pearl Jam – Ten - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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