Riff Tone

Old Love

Eric Clapton

Guitarblues1980s

Original Gear

GuitarEric Clapton Signature Fender Stratocaster (1988-1989, Lace Sensor Gold pickups, mid-boost circuit)

AmpSoldano SLO-100 (custom, modded by Pete Cornish, used in studio for Journeyman album)

PickupsFender Lace Sensor Gold single coils

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid7

treble6

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Old Love' riff section, from the 1989 'Journeyman' album. Clapton used his signature Stratocaster with active mid-boost and a Soldano SLO-100 amp, routed through a Cornish switching system. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; effects are primarily amp-based. Pickup selector likely in position 4 (neck + middle) for a warm, glassy tone.

Tone Character(10)

warm and roundglassy highssmooth, singing sustaintouch-sensitiveslightly compresseddynamic and expressiveclear note separationnot heavily saturatedmild breakup on strong attackstudio clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its expressive phrasing, dynamic control, and subtlety in picking and vibrato, but does not involve advanced speed or complex chord shapes.

Sources

Eric Clapton – Journeyman - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Eric Clapton's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Eric Clapton's 50 Greatest Guitar Moments

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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