Riff Tone
The Chain (Live)
Fleetwood Mac
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarOvation Balladeer (acoustic-electric, likely 1612 or similar)
AmpHiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) or similar Hiwatt model (used live in late 1970s)
PickupsPiezo under-saddle pickup (Ovation stock, acoustic-electric)
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Live performance, late 1970s/early 1980s era. Lindsey Buckingham is seen using an Ovation Balladeer for the clean riff section of 'The Chain' in live shows. Hiwatt amps were commonly used by Buckingham for live electric/acoustic amplification. Minimal effects used for clean sections.
Tone Character(10)
bright and percussivearticulate fingerstyle claritywarm but present midrangecrisp attackclear note separationnatural acoustic-electric timbreslight room ambiencedynamic response to pickingminimal coloration from effectsno audible overdrive or crunch
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, precise timing, and clarity, but does not involve advanced chord shapes or high speed.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarOvation Balladeer (acoustic-electric, likely 1612 or similar)
AmpHiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) or similar Hiwatt model (used live in late 1970s)
PickupsPiezo under-saddle pickup (Ovation stock, acoustic-electric)
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass6
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Live performance, late 1970s/early 1980s era. Lindsey Buckingham is seen using an Ovation Balladeer for the clean riff section of 'The Chain' in live shows. Hiwatt amps were commonly used by Buckingham for live electric/acoustic amplification. Minimal effects used for clean sections.
Tone Character(10)
bright and percussivearticulate fingerstyle claritywarm but present midrangecrisp attackclear note separationnatural acoustic-electric timbreslight room ambiencedynamic response to pickingminimal coloration from effectsno audible overdrive or crunch
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, precise timing, and clarity, but does not involve advanced chord shapes or high speed.
The Chain (Live) settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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