Riff Tone

Real American

Rick Derringer

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarBC Rich Stealth (early model, custom for Rick Derringer)

AmpMarshall JMP 100-watt head (likely 2203 or 2204, era-correct for 1984 studio recording)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker (bridge position, as per typical Derringer setup in early 80s)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6.5

mid7

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. Gear selection based on Derringer's known use of the BC Rich Stealth and Marshall JMP in the early/mid 80s, including photo evidence from 1983. No direct studio session details for 'Real American' found, but no evidence of alternate guitars/amps for this riff section. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this song.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchymid-forward British cruncharticulate attackmoderate sustainslightly compressedclear note separationaggressive but not fizzypercussive palm-muted chugsbright upper midsamp-driven distortion

Difficulty

The riff requires solid palm muting and rhythmic precision, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

How Rick Derringer helped create the B.C. Rich Stealth | Guitar World The life & times of Rick Derringer, all-American guitar hero | Guitar World

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