Riff Tone

Headwires

Foo Fighters

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Explorer

AmpVox AC30 2x12 combo

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely stock 496R/500T or similar, as per late-90s Explorers)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man

Notes

Studio recording, 1999. Dave Grohl played all guitars on 'There Is Nothing Left To Lose'. For the clean riff section of 'Headwires', Grohl used a Gibson Explorer into a Vox AC30 with an Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man delay pedal. The clean tone is specifically referenced as Explorer → Memory Man → Vox AC30 for the main riff. No evidence of other pedals or amp effects for the clean section.

Tone Character(10)

clear and chimeyarticulate attackslightly compressedbright but not harshopen and airynatural amp breakup (very mild)dynamic response to pickingtight low endpresent upper midssubtle ambient delay

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated clean playing with dynamic picking and clarity, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it moderately easy for intermediate players.

Sources

Dave Grohl's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar - What To Know & Where To Buy Foo Fighters – There Is Nothing Left To Lose - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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