Riff Tone
Heart and Soul
Huey Lewis & The News
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarHamer Sunburst
AmpSeymour Duncan Convertible
PickupsHamer stock humbuckers (likely DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan, as per era and model)
Amp Settings
gain5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1983. Guitarist Chris Hayes used a Hamer Sunburst for the main riff section on the 'Sports' album. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section; amp likely set for edge-of-breakup/crunch. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this section.
Tone Character(10)
clear and crisptight and punchy attackarticulate chord voicingsslight breakup80s rock edgedefined note separationnot overly saturatedwarm midrangepresent but not harsh trebleno audible modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, punchy rhythm playing with clean articulation and some palm muting, but uses straightforward chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarHamer Sunburst
AmpSeymour Duncan Convertible
PickupsHamer stock humbuckers (likely DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan, as per era and model)
Amp Settings
gain5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1983. Guitarist Chris Hayes used a Hamer Sunburst for the main riff section on the 'Sports' album. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section; amp likely set for edge-of-breakup/crunch. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this section.
Tone Character(10)
clear and crisptight and punchy attackarticulate chord voicingsslight breakup80s rock edgedefined note separationnot overly saturatedwarm midrangepresent but not harsh trebleno audible modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, punchy rhythm playing with clean articulation and some palm muting, but uses straightforward chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
More Huey Lewis & The News tones
- I Want a New Drug · riff
- The Power of Love · riff
- The Power of Love · solo