Riff Tone
The Sixteen Men of Tain
Allan Holdsworth
Guitarjazz2000s
Original Gear
GuitarCarvin Holdsworth Signature (likely HF2 Fatboy or H2T, as used by Holdsworth in this era)
AmpCustom Audio Electronics (CAE) OD-100 Classic Plus (studio recording, as cited); Dumble also mentioned but less likely for clean riff section
PickupsCarvin Holdsworth signature humbuckers (H22N neck, H22T bridge, likely neck or both for clean)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6
mid7
treble6
reverb2.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
modulationRoger Mayer Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe
otherBoss Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
Notes
Studio recording, 1999-2000. Album: 'The Sixteen Men of Tain'. Clean riff section. Holdsworth was known to use Carvin signature guitars and CAE OD-100 Classic Plus amps in the studio for this album. Effects include modulation and volume pedal. No evidence of live rig for this specific recording.
Tone Character(10)
liquid and glassywarm and roundvery smooth attackcrystal clear note separationlush spatial ambiencehi-fi, almost synth-likecomplex chords ring cleanlysoft, legato phrasingmodulated shimmerno audible breakup
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced chord shapes, smooth legato technique, and subtle dynamic control with effects, making it highly challenging for most players.
Sources
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Original Gear
GuitarCarvin Holdsworth Signature (likely HF2 Fatboy or H2T, as used by Holdsworth in this era)
AmpCustom Audio Electronics (CAE) OD-100 Classic Plus (studio recording, as cited); Dumble also mentioned but less likely for clean riff section
PickupsCarvin Holdsworth signature humbuckers (H22N neck, H22T bridge, likely neck or both for clean)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6
mid7
treble6
reverb2.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
modulationRoger Mayer Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe
otherBoss Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
Notes
Studio recording, 1999-2000. Album: 'The Sixteen Men of Tain'. Clean riff section. Holdsworth was known to use Carvin signature guitars and CAE OD-100 Classic Plus amps in the studio for this album. Effects include modulation and volume pedal. No evidence of live rig for this specific recording.
Tone Character(10)
liquid and glassywarm and roundvery smooth attackcrystal clear note separationlush spatial ambiencehi-fi, almost synth-likecomplex chords ring cleanlysoft, legato phrasingmodulated shimmerno audible breakup
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced chord shapes, smooth legato technique, and subtle dynamic control with effects, making it highly challenging for most players.
More Allan Holdsworth tones
- City Nights · riff
- City Nights · solo
- Devil Take the Hindmost · solo
- Metal Fatigue · riff
- The Sixteen Men of Tain · solo
- Tokyo Dream (Remastered) · riff