Riff Tone

Blue On Black

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Guitarblues1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Kenny Wayne Shepherd Signature Stratocaster with Graph Tech Ghost pickup system

Amp1964 Fender Blackface Vibroverb Reissue (main), Fender Super-Sonic Twin (Bassman mode), Fender Deluxe Reissue modded by Dumble ('Tweedledee Deluxe')

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (with Graph Tech Ghost piezo system, but piezo only for intro/verse, not riff)

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble5

reverb5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveAnalog Man Analog Man King of Tone

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Hand-Wired)

modulationDunlop Dunlop Uni-Vibe Reissue

delayJAM Pedals JAM Pedals Delay Llama

reverbUnknown Reverb pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1997. For the riff section, the electric Stratocaster with standard single-coil pickups is used (not the piezo/acoustic sound). Multiple Fender amps blended, with the Tweedledee Deluxe brought in for extra texture. Pedalboard includes modulation and overdrive pedals. Settings and effects reflect the studio version, not live re-recordings.

Tone Character(10)

edge-of-breakup crunchwarm midrange emphasisslightly rolled-off highstouch-sensitive and dynamicopen and airy chord voicingsmild overdrive characterclear note separationorganic, bluesy breakupnot heavily saturatedresponsive to picking attack

Difficulty

The riff requires moderate technical skill due to syncopated chord work, dynamic control to keep the tone responsive, and tight timing to work with the Uni-Vibe modulation. However, it does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast playing.

Sources

Amp Settings for Blue on Black by Kenny Wayne Shepherd ...Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps Rig Rundown - Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Premier Guitar Rig tour: Kenny Wayne Shepherd | MusicRadar

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