Riff Tone

Road Zombie

Social Distortion

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock or period-correct replacements)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1990; gear confirmed for Social Distortion's self-titled album era. Mike Ness is documented using a black Les Paul Custom and Marshall JCM800 for rhythm tracks in this period. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for 'Road Zombie' riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model.

Tone Character(10)

thick and punchymid-forward crunchtight palm-muted rhythmaggressive pick attackslightly compressedfocused and articulatedry and upfrontclassic British amp driveno ambient effectsraw, energetic presence

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent downstroke picking and tight palm muting at a brisk tempo, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns typical of punk rock.

Sources

Social Distortion – Social Distortion - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Mike Ness | Equipboard

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