Riff Tone

I See Fire

Ed Sheeran

Guitarother2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarMartin LX1E Ed Sheeran Signature Edition Acoustic-Electric Guitar

AmpPalmer speaker simulator (used on Divide album, likely for DI/acoustic tone shaping)

PickupsFishman Sonitone undersaddle piezo pickup

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

otherCustom/Boss Chewie Monsta Custom Looper (controls Boss RC-20XL Loop Station)

Notes

Studio recording, 2013. Ed Sheeran is known for using the Martin LX1E with Fishman Sonitone pickup for 'I See Fire' riff. No evidence of electric guitar or traditional amp; likely DI with Palmer speaker simulator for tone shaping. Effects and looping handled via Chewie Monsta custom looper. No evidence of additional pedals or amp-based effects for the riff section.

Tone Character(9)

warm and woodyarticulate and dynamicclear string separationpercussive fingerstyle attacknatural acoustic resonanceslightly compressedminimal colorationslight room ambienceintimate, close-mic'd sound

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, percussive slaps, and precise timing, making it challenging for beginners but manageable for intermediate players with fingerstyle experience.

Sources

Ed Sheeran Guitar Rig Gear and Equipment Ed Sheeran's Guitar Gear, Looper Pedal & Pedalboard What guitars does Ed Sheeran use? | Guitar.com

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