Riff Tone

Rebel Rebel

David Bowie

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarHagstrom I Kent PB-24-G

AmpUnknown (likely Marshall or Fender, but not confirmed for studio recording)

PickupsSingle-coil pickups (original Hagstrom Kent spec)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzUnknown Fuzz pedal (model unknown)

wahUnknown Wah pedal (cocked, model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1973-1974. Guitar confirmed by Equipboard and video evidence. Amp not definitively confirmed in any source for the original studio recording; some forum speculation suggests Marshall or Fender, possibly with fuzz and cocked wah, but no primary source. All pedal/effect info for the original studio version is speculative.

Tone Character(10)

raspy and bitingclassic glam rock crunchslightly fuzzy edgemid-forward punchbright and cuttingraw, garage rock texturepercussive and rhythmicnot overly compressedslight cocked-wah character (speculated)saturated but not high-gain

Difficulty

The riff is iconic but not technically complex; the main challenge is maintaining the driving rhythm, muting, and consistent attack throughout the song.

Sources

David Bowie | Equipboard David Bowie Rebel Rebel opening riff what amp? - The Gear Page

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account