Riff Tone
Let Me Drown
Soundgarden
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGuild S-100
AmpMesa/Boogie Maverick 50-watt (studio rhythm), Marshall JCM800 (possible alternate), Fender Super (possible blend)
PickupsGuild HB-1 humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzElectro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (EHX Op Amp or similar, possible but not confirmed for this riff)
Notes
Studio recording, 1993-1994 for Superunknown. Rhythm tracks primarily used Mesa/Boogie Maverick 50-watt amps, sometimes blended with Fender Super or Marshall JCM800. Guild S-100 with stock humbuckers is confirmed for riff sections. Effects and amp settings are based on studio interviews and rig rundowns for this album and song.
Tone Character(10)
saturated distortionthick and sludgycrisp articulationlow-end punchslightly scooped midsbridge humbucker punch and bitewarm yet aggressivenote clarity with sustainnot ultra gainy metal, but modern rock levelsfull-bodied, percussive attack
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking in drop D, syncopated accents, and precise palm muting for clarity within high-gain distortion. The tempo and rhythmic complexity elevate it above basic rock riffing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGuild S-100
AmpMesa/Boogie Maverick 50-watt (studio rhythm), Marshall JCM800 (possible alternate), Fender Super (possible blend)
PickupsGuild HB-1 humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6.5
mid6
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzElectro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (EHX Op Amp or similar, possible but not confirmed for this riff)
Notes
Studio recording, 1993-1994 for Superunknown. Rhythm tracks primarily used Mesa/Boogie Maverick 50-watt amps, sometimes blended with Fender Super or Marshall JCM800. Guild S-100 with stock humbuckers is confirmed for riff sections. Effects and amp settings are based on studio interviews and rig rundowns for this album and song.
Tone Character(10)
saturated distortionthick and sludgycrisp articulationlow-end punchslightly scooped midsbridge humbucker punch and bitewarm yet aggressivenote clarity with sustainnot ultra gainy metal, but modern rock levelsfull-bodied, percussive attack
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking in drop D, syncopated accents, and precise palm muting for clarity within high-gain distortion. The tempo and rhythmic complexity elevate it above basic rock riffing.
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