Riff Tone

Space Oddity (2015 Remaster)

David Bowie

Guitarrock1960s

Original Gear

Guitar12-string acoustic guitar (likely Hagstrom or Gibson B-45-12, but not definitively confirmed for riff section)

AmpNone (acoustic guitar, direct mic recording)

PickupsNone (acoustic guitar, mic'd in studio)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass3

mid3.5

treble3.5

reverb3

presence2.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1969 session for 'Space Oddity' (2015 Remaster is a remaster of this original). The riff section is played on a 12-string acoustic, not electric. No evidence of electric guitar or amp in the main riff; electric guitar appears later in the song. No pedals or amp used for the riff. All sources and isolated tracks confirm acoustic for the riff.

Tone Character(9)

clear and shimmeringrich, full-bodied 12-string resonanceopen and airynatural acoustic warmthbright but not harshsubtle studio reverbarticulate chord definitionno distortion or breakuporganic, unprocessed sound

Difficulty

The riff is based on open chords and steady strumming, but requires accuracy and evenness on a 12-string acoustic for the signature shimmer and clarity.

Sources

David Bowie | Equipboard Mick Ronson: Glam Rock Chameleon - Premier Guitar Space Oddity Guitar Tutorial: Learn David Bowie's Classic | TikTok Space Oddity by David Bowie Guitar Tutorial - YouTube

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