Riff Tone

Can't Stop

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

Guitar1960 Fender Custom Telecaster

AmpMarshall Major (studio recording, 2001/2002 era)

PickupsFender single-coil (vintage Telecaster type)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

boostMXR MXR Micro Amp

chorusBoss Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (preamp/chorus mode)

Notes

Studio recording for 'By The Way' album (2002). John Frusciante used his 1960 Fender Custom Telecaster for the riff section. Amp is Marshall Major, as confirmed by multiple interviews and rig rundowns for this era. MXR Micro Amp and Boss DS-1/DS-2 not used for the main riff, but Micro Amp may be on for slight boost. Chorus effect is from Boss CE-1 in preamp mode, not vibrato. No evidence of delay, wah, or reverb on the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and percussivetight, funky rhythmarticulate and staccatoslight edge-of-breakup crunchdynamic and touch-sensitiveminimal sustaindry, present soundbridge pickup claritymids slightly dippedno obvious ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight 16th-note strumming, precise fret-hand muting, and dynamic control to achieve the percussive, funky feel. While not technically advanced in terms of speed or complex chords, the articulation and groove demand intermediate skill.