Riff Tone

Let's Dance (2002 Remaster)

David Bowie

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (early 1960s, likely SRV's Number One or similar vintage Strat)

AmpFender Vibroverb (blackface, 1964) or Fender Super Reverb (mid-1960s); possible studio use of Dumble Steel String Singer for clean headroom

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (vintage-style, stock or slightly overwound)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusRoland Roland SDD-320 Dimension D

Notes

Studio recording, 1982 (for 1983 album, 2002 remaster is a remaster of the original). Stevie Ray Vaughan played the main riff. Nile Rodgers produced. The Roland SDD-320 Dimension D chorus was added in the studio mix for subtle width. No evidence of overdrive/fuzz pedals on the riff section; SRV's clean, punchy Strat tone is prominent. No evidence of live/tour gear used on the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

clean but punchytight and percussivearticulate single-coil claritysubtle stereo widthslightly compressed highswarm midrangefunky rhythmic attackdynamic and responsivestudio-polishedno audible overdrive

Difficulty

The riff requires precise, syncopated funk rhythm playing with clean articulation and dynamic control, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s amps and effects pedals: an in-depth guide | Guitar World Modulation Nation: Chorus, Phasing, and Flanging - Premier Guitar Last Call: Maybe This Gig Is Not for You - Premier Guitar

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