Riff Tone

SexyBack (feat. Timbaland)

Justin Timberlake

Guitarother2000s

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown (likely sampled or synthesized guitar, model not confirmed for studio recording)

AmpUnknown (likely amp simulation or digital processing, no evidence of specific amp model used on studio recording)

PickupsUnknown (likely sampled or synthesized, pickup type not confirmed)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb1

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compression (studio or plugin, model unknown)

distortionUnknown Distortion (plugin or digital, model unknown)

eqUnknown Filter/EQ (plugin or digital, model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2006. No direct evidence of a physical guitar, amp, or pedal chain used for the riff section; likely a processed/sample-based or synthesized guitar part. No live rig or session photos/interviews confirming gear for this specific part.

Tone Character(10)

heavily compressedprocessed and synthetictight and percussiveaggressive attackindustrial/futuristic texturefiltered high-enddigital/lo-fi characternot a traditional amp sounddistorted and grittymechanical, robotic feel

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically simple and repetitive, with no advanced guitar techniques required. The main challenge is replicating the processed tone, not the playing.

Sources

Pop&B Rate Reveal Day 3: On a one to ten, these are ...

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