Riff Tone

Brick Is Red (2007 Remaster)

Pixies

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1965 Gibson ES-345 (Bigsby-equipped, Varitone on position 3)

AmpMarshall JCM800 50-watt head

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock for ES-345, likely Patent Number or T-Top humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzBoss Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz

Notes

Studio recording for 'Brick Is Red' (2007 Remaster), original session late 1980s; Joey Santiago's main studio amp for dirty tones. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this song section.

Tone Character(10)

gritty and rawabrasive yet melodicsemi-hollow resonanceedge-of-breakup crunchdynamic and punchydistinctive midrange biteunpolished energytight and percussive attackslightly fuzzy textureopen, resonant chords

Difficulty

The riff requires tight rhythmic accuracy and dynamic control, but uses straightforward chord shapes and picking, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Rig Rundown: Pixies - Premier Guitar Pixies Members, Gear & Sound

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account