Riff Tone

Heads Will Roll

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (Japanese model, circa 1985)

AmpFender Hot Rod DeVille 212 (studio recording, 2008-2009)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock or era-correct Japanese Strat single coils)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co Deucetone Rat

delayLine 6 Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler

modulationElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix POG (Polyphonic Octave Generator)

delayBoss Boss DD-6 Digital Delay

Notes

Studio recording for 'It's Blitz!' (2008-2009). Nick Zinner is confirmed to use a Japanese Fender Stratocaster and a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 for distorted/riff sections. Multiple sources confirm this as his main studio setup for this era. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this recording. Pedalboard is large, but only certain pedals are confirmed for this song/section.

Tone Character(10)

thick, saturated fuzztight, percussive attacksynth-like sustainaggressive, biting top endcompressed, focused midrangearticulate, cutting rhythmlayered, processed distortionmodulated, swirling overtonesstudio-polished fuzz texturedance-punk rhythmic drive

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking and palm muting, as well as precise timing to lock with the dance-punk groove. Layering effects for the synth-like sustain adds complexity, but the riff itself is not technically advanced beyond intermediate.

Sources

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Nick Zinner Guitar Rig Gear and Equipment Rig Rundown: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner - Premier Guitar The Complete Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) Gear Guide | Guitar Player Gear Guide

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