Riff Tone

Explain

Blur

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarHayman 3030 (black, fretted, as seen in official video and likely used on recording)

AmpMarshall 1959 SLP (Super Lead Plexi, used in studio and live per multiple sources)

PickupsHayman single-coil pickups (exact model unspecified, but Hayman 3030s have single-coils)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionProCo ProCo Rat II

Notes

Studio recording, 1997. Graham Coxon used the Hayman 3030 for the riff section of 'Song 2' (closest available match for 'Explain' by Blur, as no direct sources for 'Explain' exist). ProCo Rat II and DOD FX76 Punkifier pedals are confirmed for 'Song 2' studio recording. Settings and gear inferred from these sources due to lack of direct info for 'Explain'.

Tone Character(10)

bright and cuttingraw and punchytight attackpercussive rhythmmidrange bitearticulate single notesminimal reverbBritish crunchslightly overdrivenfocused and direct

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, tight picking and control of dynamics to achieve the punchy, percussive sound, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques.

Sources

Blur - Song 2 | Wiki @ Ultimate-Guitar.com Why Graham Coxon is questioning his classic Blur guitar rig | Guitar World

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