Clean Tone
Runnin' Down a Dream
Tom Petty
Bassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass
AmpAmpeg SVT (likely Blue Line or similar vintage model)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble6
presence5
compression4
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1989, Into the Great Wide Open sessions; live rigs sometimes used Vox or Fender Bassman, but Ampeg SVT is most consistently cited for studio.
Tone Character(9)
deep and punchyclear note definitiontight low endslight compressionmid-forwardsupportiveno audible driveclassic rock warmthfocused attack
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically driving but straightforward, requiring tight, consistent pick technique and stamina at a fast tempo, but no advanced fills or complex syncopation.
Sources
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Create Free AccountBassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass
AmpAmpeg SVT (likely Blue Line or similar vintage model)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble6
presence5
compression4
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1989, Into the Great Wide Open sessions; live rigs sometimes used Vox or Fender Bassman, but Ampeg SVT is most consistently cited for studio.
Tone Character(9)
deep and punchyclear note definitiontight low endslight compressionmid-forwardsupportiveno audible driveclassic rock warmthfocused attack
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically driving but straightforward, requiring tight, consistent pick technique and stamina at a fast tempo, but no advanced fills or complex syncopation.
More Tom Petty tones
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- Love Is a Long Road · solo
- Love Is a Long Road · riff
- Runnin' Down a Dream · riff
- Runnin' Down a Dream · riff
- You Wreck Me · riff