Riff Tone
Deep
Pearl Jam
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Stone Gossard, studio recording, 1991)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Ten album studio sessions, 1991)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely 490R/498T or similar PAF-style)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar mid-boost overdrive)
Notes
Studio recording, 1991. Stone Gossard played the main riff on a Les Paul through a cranked Marshall JCM800. Mike McCready played a Strat on other parts, but the main heavy riff is Gossard. No evidence of live/touring gear or alternate amps for this section.
Tone Character(10)
mid-forward drivetight and punchygrungy and saturatedclassic British cruncharticulate attackhint of reverb for spacefull-bodied low endpresent upper midsaggressive pick attackslight compression from amp/pedal
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive strumming at a fast tempo, with palm muting and dynamic control to match the grungy, percussive feel of the original recording.
Sources
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Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Stone Gossard, studio recording, 1991)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Ten album studio sessions, 1991)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock, likely 490R/498T or similar PAF-style)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar mid-boost overdrive)
Notes
Studio recording, 1991. Stone Gossard played the main riff on a Les Paul through a cranked Marshall JCM800. Mike McCready played a Strat on other parts, but the main heavy riff is Gossard. No evidence of live/touring gear or alternate amps for this section.
Tone Character(10)
mid-forward drivetight and punchygrungy and saturatedclassic British cruncharticulate attackhint of reverb for spacefull-bodied low endpresent upper midsaggressive pick attackslight compression from amp/pedal
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive strumming at a fast tempo, with palm muting and dynamic control to match the grungy, percussive feel of the original recording.
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