Riff Tone

Rebel Rebel (1999 Remaster)

David Bowie

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1960s Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely refinished, possibly a Les Paul Custom or similar Les Paul-type guitar)

AmpAmpeg V4 (most widely cited for the original studio recording, 1974 Diamond Dogs sessions)

PickupsHumbucker (likely Gibson PAF-style, exact model unknown)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1974 (Diamond Dogs sessions), riff section. No evidence of pedals or effects beyond amp and possibly studio EQ. No explicit mention of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section in the 1999 remaster. Gear inferred from historical interviews and session photos, not from the provided sources.

Tone Character(10)

bright and bitingraw and openpronounced midrangeslight amp breakuppercussive attackringing chordsminimal sustainslightly compressedclassic glam rock edgeno audible modulation or delay

Difficulty

The riff is iconic and requires tight, consistent strumming and muting, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead playing.

Sources

Could someone help me understand how this David bowie song ...

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account