Riff Tone

The Sheltering Sky

King Crimson

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRoland G-303 Guitar Controller

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

PickupsRoland G-303 stock humbuckers (for synth triggering)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

otherRoland Roland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer

Notes

Studio recording, 1981 (Discipline album). The riff section features Adrian Belew using the Roland G-303 to control a Roland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer, with the synth output as the primary sound source. The JC-120 is used for amplification. No evidence of additional distortion/overdrive pedals; the 'distorted' sound is from the GR-300 synth engine, not a traditional amp or pedal. All evidence points to the synth as the main source of the driven tone.

Tone Character(10)

percussive and syntheticenvelope-filtered attackoctave-blended thicknessglassy and bright top endresonant, almost vocal filter sweepsdynamic and articulatecomplex modulation movementanalog synth sustainnot a traditional guitar distortiondistinctly electronic, processed feel

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced rhythmic precision, careful synth triggering, and dynamic control to shape the percussive synth envelope, making it challenging for most guitarists.

Sources

King Crimson – SHELTERING SKIES (Live in Fréjus, August 27th 1982) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard King Crimson – Discipline - Gear & Equipment Used on the ...Are Weird Pedals Worth It? - Premier Guitar Sheltering Sky effects. : r/guitarpedals

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