Riff Tone

School's Out

Alice Cooper

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1971-1972, Glen Buxton or Michael Bruce)

AmpMarshall Plexi 1959 Super Lead with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Basketweave, Pre-Rola speakers)

PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers (some sources mention P90s, but humbuckers are most likely for the riff section)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1972. Gear confirmed for era and album session by forum and gear sources. No evidence of pedals or effects used in riff section; amp and guitar only.

Tone Character(10)

aggressive and grittydirty, blues-inspired crunchBritish amp voicingtight and punchy rhythmmoderate sustainarticulate attackraw edgenot overly distortedclassic 1970s rock soundpercussive and dynamic

Difficulty

The riff is based on straightforward power chords and rhythm, but requires tight timing, palm muting, and dynamic control to capture the classic crunch and punch of the original recording.

Sources

Early Alice Cooper presets ? | Fractal Audio Systems Forum Alice Cooper Members, Gear & Sound Tone Tips: Clean Tones Can Create Bigger Rock Guitar Sounds

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