Riff Tone

Cruel Summer

Taylor Swift

Guitarother2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown electric guitar (model not specified in sources; likely a Fender-style or similar pop/rock studio guitar typical for Taylor Swift's 2019 'Lover' album sessions)

AmpUnknown (no amp model specified in sources; likely a clean studio amp such as Fender Twin Reverb or similar, based on genre and era)

PickupsUnknown (likely single-coil or humbucker, model not specified)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb4.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2019. No sources specify exact guitar or amp model for the riff section. No evidence of live/touring rig being used on the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

bright and percussiveclean and articulatesits behind synth layerspop/rock studio claritysubtle rhythmic supportno audible drive or crunchtight and controlled attackslightly compressed studio tonenot saturated or overdrivenpresent but not dominant in mix

Difficulty

The riff is straightforward pop rhythm guitar with clean strumming and timing; no advanced techniques or complex chord voicings are required.

Sources

Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift with tabs : r/AcousticGuitar - Reddit What is an easy Taylor Swift song that can be played in open tuning?

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