Riff Tone

Manhattan

Eric Johnson

Guitarjazz1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-335

AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely 100-watt Super Lead or JCM800 based on era and Johnson's typical studio rig)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock or vintage spec, exact model not specified)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6.5

mid7

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBK Butler BK Butler Tube Driver

delayMaestro Maestro Echoplex

Notes

Studio recording, 1996, riff section of 'Manhattan' from the album Venus Isle. Eric Johnson states 'almost all of the song is a Gibson 335 through a Marshall, with an Echoplex and a tube driver.' No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and glassysmooth sustainarticulate note separationtouch-sensitive dynamicsslightly compressedrich midrangeclear highs without harshnesssubtle breakupnot overly distorteddynamic and expressive

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced chordal technique, precise finger control, and dynamic touch to achieve the smooth, expressive phrasing characteristic of Eric Johnson's style.

Sources

Essential Listening: Eric Johnson's 10 Greatest Guitar Songs | Guitar World

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