Riff Tone

Coast to Coast

Elliott Smith

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-330

AmpFender combo amp (exact model unknown, likely Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb)

PickupsGibson P-90 single-coil

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2003 (recorded for the album 'From a Basement on the Hill'). No direct evidence of pedals or effects used on this specific riff section; most sources reference general gear used by Elliott Smith in this era. No evidence of live-specific gear for this part.

Tone Character(10)

slightly gritty edge-of-breakupwarm and mid-focusedclear note separationmild compression and sustainarticulate attack with some bitedynamic response to pickingopen and airy chord voicingssubtle amp reverbnot heavily saturatedorganic, natural amp tone

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate technique due to its use of extended chords, syncopated strumming, and the need for dynamic touch to control the amp's breakup and clarity.

Sources

Gear Rundown: Elliott Smith - Mixdown Magazine Most harmonically complex chordal compositions by Elliott? - Reddit Tips on how to get that rock elliott smith sound on electric guitar?

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