Riff Tone

Graduate

Third Eye Blind

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1979 Gibson The Paul

Amp1969 Marshall Plexi

PickupsSeymour Duncan Antiquity (neck), Seymour Duncan Alnico II (bridge)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzWay Huge Way Huge Swollen Pickle

compressionKeeley Keeley 4-Knob Compressor

Notes

Studio recording, 1997. Guitarist: Kevin Cadogan. Used Open D tuning (D–A–D–F#–A–D) for the riff. Amp is a vintage Marshall Plexi, confirmed for the album recording. Pedalboard details are from later live rigs but distortion/fuzz pedal use is consistent with the album's heavy riff tone.

Tone Character(10)

fuzzy and saturatedtight and percussiveaggressive and crunchymid-forward British cruncharticulate pick attackopen and ringing voicingsslight compression for sustainthick and present in the mixclassic 90s alternative rock drivenotably heavy riff sound

Difficulty

The riff is technically demanding due to the open tuning, fast tempo, aggressive strumming, and the need for precise muting and articulation to maintain clarity in a saturated, high-gain context.

Sources

Third Eye Blind Amp Settings (gear and tone tips)Rig Rundown: Third Eye Blind's Kryz Reid - Premier Guitar Rig Rundown - Third Eye Blind Third Eye Blind have a pretty good rig...Guitar Lesson: How To Play Graduate by Third Eye Blind! (Warning... it hurts.)

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