Riff Tone
Playing With Fire
Richard Marx
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarUnknown (no direct evidence for exact model; likely a superstrat or Les Paul-style guitar typical for late 80s/early 90s rock studio sessions)
AmpUnknown (no direct evidence; likely Marshall JCM800 or similar high-gain British amp typical for era and genre)
PickupsHumbucker (inferred from genre, era, and typical session gear; no direct source)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid6.5
treble7
reverb3
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
No direct evidence for specific gear used on the studio recording of 'Playing With Fire' riff section. No sources confirm exact guitar, pickups, or amp. All gear is inferred based on genre, era, and typical session practices for late 80s/early 90s rock. Studio recording, released 1989 (Repeat Offender album).
Tone Character(10)
tight and punchycrunchy attackpresent midrangeslightly saturatedcontrolled sustainclear note separationmodest reverbstudio-polishedarticulate rhythmno audible modulation
Difficulty
The riff requires solid palm muting and precise timing to maintain the punchy, articulate sound, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast playing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarUnknown (no direct evidence for exact model; likely a superstrat or Les Paul-style guitar typical for late 80s/early 90s rock studio sessions)
AmpUnknown (no direct evidence; likely Marshall JCM800 or similar high-gain British amp typical for era and genre)
PickupsHumbucker (inferred from genre, era, and typical session gear; no direct source)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid6.5
treble7
reverb3
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
No direct evidence for specific gear used on the studio recording of 'Playing With Fire' riff section. No sources confirm exact guitar, pickups, or amp. All gear is inferred based on genre, era, and typical session practices for late 80s/early 90s rock. Studio recording, released 1989 (Repeat Offender album).
Tone Character(10)
tight and punchycrunchy attackpresent midrangeslightly saturatedcontrolled sustainclear note separationmodest reverbstudio-polishedarticulate rhythmno audible modulation
Difficulty
The riff requires solid palm muting and precise timing to maintain the punchy, articulate sound, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast playing.
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