Riff Tone

Breakout

Foo Fighters

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (late 80s tobacco sunburst or white custom, as per studio era)

AmpMesa/Boogie Maverick 2x12 Combo

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock Les Paul Standard humbuckers, likely 490R/498T or similar for late 90s)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionProCo ProCo Turbo RAT

delayElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

Notes

Studio recording for 'Breakout' (1999, 'There Is Nothing Left to Lose'). Dave Grohl was the only guitarist on the album. Gear confirmed by Equipboard and Mix Magazine. No evidence of Chris Shiflett or Pat Smear on this recording. Effects chain includes ProCo Turbo RAT and Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. No evidence of amp reverb or other built-in amp effects used on the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchy rhythmdynamic cruncharticulate pick attackfull-bodied midrangeslightly saturated tube breakupclear note separationpercussive and drivingnot overly distortedresponsive to picking dynamicsslightly compressed but open

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, aggressive strumming with tight palm muting and dynamic control, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Dave Grohl's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Electro-Harmonix XO Deluxe Memory Man - What To Know & Where To Buy | Equipboard Trying to get that Foo Fighter rock sound through my amp need help

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