Riff Tone
Superman
R.E.M.
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 360 (likely 6-string, as used by Peter Buck on 'Lifes Rich Pageant' era recordings)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (blackface, mid-1960s model, as used by Peter Buck in studio during this era)
PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb3.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1986. Gear based on Peter Buck's known studio setup for 'Lifes Rich Pageant' era. No direct source confirms exact gear for 'Superman' riff, but Rickenbacker 360 and Fender Twin Reverb are well-documented for this period and album. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyclear and articulateopen and airychiming top endtight percussive attackminimal breakupslight amp reverb for spacedistinct Rickenbacker jangleno audible overdriveclassic alternative rock clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, articulate strumming and chord changes with a bright, jangly tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it accessible to most players with basic rhythm skills.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRickenbacker 360 (likely 6-string, as used by Peter Buck on 'Lifes Rich Pageant' era recordings)
AmpFender Twin Reverb (blackface, mid-1960s model, as used by Peter Buck in studio during this era)
PickupsRickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6
treble7
reverb3.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1986. Gear based on Peter Buck's known studio setup for 'Lifes Rich Pageant' era. No direct source confirms exact gear for 'Superman' riff, but Rickenbacker 360 and Fender Twin Reverb are well-documented for this period and album. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyclear and articulateopen and airychiming top endtight percussive attackminimal breakupslight amp reverb for spacedistinct Rickenbacker jangleno audible overdriveclassic alternative rock clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, articulate strumming and chord changes with a bright, jangly tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it accessible to most players with basic rhythm skills.
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