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Riff Tone

The Scientist

Coldplay

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster (likely 1970s or 1990s reissue, maple neck, as used by Jonny Buckland in studio era)
AmpFender Hot Rod DeVille (studio, 2002 era; Buckland's main amp for Parachutes/A Rush of Blood to the Head sessions)
PickupsFender single-coil Telecaster pickups

Amp Settings

gain3.5
bass6
mid6
treble6.5
reverb4
presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co Rat Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 2002. Jonny Buckland is known to use a Fender Telecaster through a Fender Hot Rod DeVille for this era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff section. Pedal use is confirmed for overdrive/distortion, specifically Pro Co Rat, with some sources mentioning Fulltone OCD as an alternative. No evidence of modulation effects or chorus in the riff section.

Tone Character(10)
warm and openslightly gritty edge-of-breakupclear and articulateambient and atmosphericmild overdrivedynamic and touch-sensitiverounded highspresent midsnot harsh or spikysubtle breakup on strong strums

Difficulty

The riff is based on simple arpeggiated chords with a slow tempo and straightforward rhythm, but requires clean picking and good timing for clarity.

Sources

Jonny Buckland Guitar tone...Help me! : r/ColdplayPro Co The Rat - What To Know & Where To Buy

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