Riff Tone

Sober

Muse

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarYamaha Pacifica 120

AmpLine 6 POD 2.0 (direct input, amp model unknown, likely Marshall simulation)

PickupsYamaha Alnico V single coil (neck), Yamaha Alnico V humbucker (bridge)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1999 (Showbiz album). Guitar and amp confirmed for Showbiz era; no evidence of pedal use for riff section. POD 2.0 used for direct-in distorted tones on album. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for studio riff.

Tone Character(10)

fuzzy and compressedtight and percussivesaturated, almost synth-like fuzzslightly scooped midsaggressive, raw edgedry, immediate responsedirect-in digital distortionnot a classic amp-in-room soundno audible modulation or time-based effectsstudio direct-in clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated rhythm playing with precise palm muting and fast chord changes, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Muse – Showbiz - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Name a Muse Song and I'll tell you how to get the guitar tone.

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