Riff Tone
Son of a Gun (BBC John Peel Session 1990)
Nirvana
Guitarpunk1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely Japanese, early 90s, possibly the 'K Records Strat')
AmpMesa Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet
PickupsSeymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge position, humbucker-sized single coil)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb0
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion
Notes
Studio recording for BBC John Peel Session, 1990. Guitar is likely the K Records Stratocaster with Hot Rails in bridge. Amp setup confirmed for this era/session. No evidence of chorus, delay, or modulation effects on the riff section; distortion from Boss DS-1 pedal. No amp reverb or effects loop used.
Tone Character(10)
raw and aggressivemid-heavy crunchtight and percussive attackbright, cutting trebleslightly scooped but present midsminimal sustainfast note decayuncompressed, open sounddynamic and punchydistinct single-note riff clarity
Difficulty
The riff is straightforward power chord work at a moderate tempo, requiring tight rhythm and aggressive picking but no advanced techniques.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1990s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely Japanese, early 90s, possibly the 'K Records Strat')
AmpMesa Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet
PickupsSeymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge position, humbucker-sized single coil)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb0
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion
Notes
Studio recording for BBC John Peel Session, 1990. Guitar is likely the K Records Stratocaster with Hot Rails in bridge. Amp setup confirmed for this era/session. No evidence of chorus, delay, or modulation effects on the riff section; distortion from Boss DS-1 pedal. No amp reverb or effects loop used.
Tone Character(10)
raw and aggressivemid-heavy crunchtight and percussive attackbright, cutting trebleslightly scooped but present midsminimal sustainfast note decayuncompressed, open sounddynamic and punchydistinct single-note riff clarity
Difficulty
The riff is straightforward power chord work at a moderate tempo, requiring tight rhythm and aggressive picking but no advanced techniques.
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