Riff Tone

Hey, Johnny Park!

Foo Fighters

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (1980s tobacco sunburst or white Les Paul Custom, as per tech interview for this era)

AmpMarshall JCM900 100W head (studio recording, possibly blended with Hiwatt or Mesa/Boogie Maverick per interviews, but JCM900 is primary for this riff)

PickupsHumbuckers (Gibson stock, likely 490/498 or T-Top style for era)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1999, 'There Is Nothing Left To Lose' album. Dave Grohl played all guitars on this track. No evidence of pedal use for the main riff; distortion is from amp. Some sources mention ProCo Turbo RAT and MXR Micro Amp were in his rig around this era, but not specifically confirmed for this song's riff. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

thick and saturatedmid-forward and punchytight low endaggressive pick attackclear note separationslight amp reverb for spacepercussive and drivingharmonic overtonesstudio double-tracked widthno modulation or delay

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive picking and palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, with precise rhythmic accents and dynamic control to maintain the song's driving energy.

Sources

Foo Fighters: Tones Like These - Premier Guitar Dave Grohl's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard Foo Fighters – There Is Nothing Left To Lose - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album

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