Riff Tone

Surfing with the Alien

Joe Satriani

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1983 Kramer Pacer (rosewood fretboard, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)

AmpEarly Seventies Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-Watt head into Marshall 4x12 with Celestion G12T-75 speakers

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass4.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb0.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

overdriveChandler Chandler Tube Driver

modulationEventide Eventide H949 Harmonizer

Notes

Studio recording, 1987. Rhythm (riff) section used the hardtail Boogie Bodies Strat-style guitar for rhythm, but most sources and interviews confirm the Kramer Pacer with bridge humbucker for the main riff. Chandler Tube Driver and Cry Baby wah in front of amp. Eventide H949 Harmonizer used for pitch detune effect. No evidence of chorus, flanger, or delay on the riff. Settings are for studio recording, not live.

Tone Character(10)

big, throaty, and dryaggressive lead toneupper-midrange punchvoice-like midrange honkabrasive texturetight, articulate attacksinging sustainminimal ambiencebridge humbucker clarityBritish crunch

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced picking and legato technique at high speed, tight rhythmic precision, and expressive wah pedal use, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Joe Satriani's guitar tone on Surfing With The Alien: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World Joe Satriani – Surfing With The Alien - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Joe Satriani's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard

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