Riff Tone

Driver 8

R.E.M.

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRickenbacker 360 (likely 6-string, possibly 12-string for overdubs)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (blackface, mid-1960s, studio recording)

PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils

Amp Settings

gain3

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1985. Peter Buck is widely documented to have used a Rickenbacker 360 through a Fender Twin Reverb for the Fables of the Reconstruction album. No evidence of pedals for the riff section; chorus and modulation effects are not audible in the main riff. No direct evidence of amp reverb setting, but the Twin Reverb's spring reverb is likely used lightly for ambience.

Tone Character(10)

bright and janglychimey and articulateclean with slight spring reverbpercussive attackopen, ringing notesno audible overdrive or distortionclassic Rickenbacker/Fender Twin cleanclear note separationslightly compressed by picking dynamicsno modulation or chorus in riff

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its tempo, precise alternate picking, and the need for clean, even articulation of open-string arpeggios without the cover of distortion.

Sources

Song of the Week: Driver 8 : r/rem - Reddit Jangly sound. Drills, tips or tutorials to practice. : r/LearnGuitar - Reddit

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