Riff Tone

Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But…

Arctic Monkeys

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely Mexican Standard, early 2000s, as used by Alex Turner on debut album)

AmpVox AC30 Combo Amp

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock, ceramic magnet, Stratocaster configuration)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co RAT2 Distortion

boostMXR MXR M133 Micro Amp

Notes

Studio recording, 2005; gear confirmed for debut album sessions. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff section. No evidence of live-specific substitutions.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchymid-forward cruncharticulate and percussiveslightly grittydynamic pick attackclear note separationraw and aggressiveminimal ambienceBritish amp bitefocused low end

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, fast chord changes, and the need for precise palm muting and dynamic control to maintain clarity and punch.

Sources

Alex Turner | Equipboard Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard [DISCUSSION] Guitar pedals in indie music : r/indieheads

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