Riff Tone

Enjoy the Silence

Depeche Mode

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGretsch 6120 (likely 1980s model)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

PickupsGretsch Filter'Tron humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb5.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss or Roland Chorus pedal (likely Boss CE-2 or amp chorus)

delayBoss or Unknown Digital delay pedal (model unknown, likely Boss DD-2/DD-3 or studio rack)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown, possibly studio rack or Boss CS-2)

Notes

Studio recording, 1989-1990. Gear inferred from era, band interviews, and visible studio photos. Martin Gore is seen using a Gretsch 6120 and Roland JC-120 for Violator sessions; no evidence of other guitars/amps for this riff. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the original recording.

Tone Character(9)

bright and chimeymodulated shimmertight and percussive attackslightly compressedclear note separationlush stereo chorusdigital delay repeatscrunchy, not high-gainprocessed studio sheen

Difficulty

The riff requires accurate picking and timing to lock in with the delay and chorus effects, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

The Gear of Classic Synth Pop: Gary Numan, Depeche Mode - Reverb Depeche Mode / Enjoy The Silence: What type of delay on guitar part?Enjoy The Silence Guitar Tab Tutorial - Depeche Mode Cover & Preset

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account