Riff Tone

Shut the Door

Fugazi

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Junior (early 1970s, likely 1972-1973, as used by Ian MacKaye on 'Repeater')

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, likely through Marshall 4x12 cab, as per era and band interviews)

PickupsSingle P-90 (bridge position, stock Gibson)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1990. No pedals or effects used; amp cranked for distortion. Ian MacKaye is documented as not using pedals in Fugazi studio recordings. Settings estimated based on typical JCM800 punk usage and era. No evidence of effects loop or additional processing.

Tone Character(10)

mid-rangey and aggressiveraw and uncompressedtight and percussive rhythmbiting and punchydry, no ambiencedynamic, responds to pick attackloud and forcefulslightly gritty edge from P-90no modulation or time-based effectsfocused, cutting through mix

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive downstrokes and dynamic control at high volume, but uses straightforward punk rhythm and power chords, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Ian MacKaye: ”I probably should have been a horn player. I always hear horns, melodic lines, and try them with guitar” | Guitar World its kinda weird how half of the tone questions on this board boil ...

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account