Riff Tone

Friends

Eric Johnson

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1954 Fender Stratocaster

AmpFender Twin Reverb (silverface, vintage, studio recording)

PickupsDiMarzio HS-2 (bridge position, single coil mode)

Amp Settings

gain3

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence3

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus (or similar, possibly Princeton Chorus rack unit)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Ah Via Musicom' (1989); Eric Johnson used his 1954 Stratocaster with a DiMarzio HS-2 in the bridge. Clean tones were achieved using a pair of Fender Twin Reverbs. Settings are based on typical Johnson clean rig for this era and song. Pickup wiring was modified so the bridge and middle pickups share a tone control. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for the clean riff section.

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and bell-likebright and articulate highswarm low endglassy top enddynamic and touch-sensitiveslightly compressedrich, sparkling cleanno breakup or distortionclassic Fender cleanopen and airy

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced chord shapes, precise picking, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation at tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Eric Johnson's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps Eric Johnson's guitar tone on Cliffs of Dover: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World Dear Guitar Hero: Eric Johnson Discusses His “Koto” Technique, Tone, Signature Strat and More | Guitar World

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