Riff Tone

Porch (Live) [Live]

Pearl Jam

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster '62 Reissue

AmpMarshall-style amp (exact model not specified, likely Marshall JCM800 or similar for live era)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Live performance, early 1990s (circa 1992-1993). Guitar World interview confirms Mike McCready used a '62 reissue Stratocaster for the riff section of 'Porch' live, with pickup selector in position 4 for the intro/rhythm. Amp is described as 'classic Marshall style gain' with moderate overdrive and a hint of reverb. Settings are from Guitar World lesson for Pearl Jam rhythm tone, matching live context.

Tone Character(10)

dynamic and percussivecrunchy but not high-gainarticulate with clear note separationslightly scooped mids for live punchmoderate sustainresponsive to picking attackhint of reverb for spacebright but not harshfunk-influenced strumming feelopen and lively

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent 16th-note strumming with percussive muting and dynamic control, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Learn the rhythm and soloing styles of Pearl Jam's Mike McCready | Guitar World Mike McCready breaks down 15 landmark Pearl Jam guitar tracks | Guitar World

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