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Riff Tone

Flower

Soundgarden

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGuild S-100
AmpAmpeg V-4 (likely, based on era and interviews; Marshall also possible but Ampeg cited for Ultramega OK era)
PickupsGuild HB-1 humbuckers (microphonic, vintage spec)

Amp Settings

gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb1.5
presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusIbanez Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989. Kim Thayil used the Guild S-100 with microphonic humbuckers for the riff. Chorus pedal was used in the studio. No evidence of fuzz/distortion pedals for the main riff; amp overdrive likely. Pickup selector set to bridge position for brighter tone. Effects chain is minimal, with chorus as the only confirmed effect.

Tone Character(10)
bright and biting bridge pickup soundmicrophonic, resonant harmonicspercussive and dynamic riff attackchorus shimmer adds movementopen-string drone resonancesitar-like harmonic overtonesraw, uncompressed amp driveminimal pedal colorationaggressive, mid-forward punchdistinct pick attack and string noise

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate to advanced control of dynamics, open-string drones, and microphonic feedback, as well as precise muting and articulation to achieve the signature percussive attack and harmonic overtones.

Sources

Kim Thayil picks Soundgarden's landmark guitar momentsKim Thayil | Equipboard

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