Riff Tone

For All the Cows

Foo Fighters

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (black, 1970s, likely Norlin-era) or Gibson Les Paul Standard (early 1990s, black, as seen in studio photos)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 100W head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely stock, late 70s/early 90s, passive, medium/high output)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble6

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionProCo ProCo Turbo RAT

Notes

Studio recording, 1994 (Foo Fighters debut album). Gear confirmed by tech Ernie Bailey for this session. ProCo Turbo RAT pedal used for main distortion. No evidence of modulation or time-based pedals in riff section. Pickup likely bridge for main riff. No evidence of effects loop or amp-based effects used.

Tone Character(10)

tight, punchy midrangeaggressive rhythm crunchraw and gritty distortionarticulate attackdynamic pick responsepercussive, open chordsslightly compressedfocused, present midsclassic Marshall crunchminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically syncopated and requires tight timing and dynamic control, but uses basic chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Foo Fighters Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk

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