Riff Tone

This Ain't a Love Song

Bon Jovi

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (early 90s, likely Richie's main studio guitar for this era)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1994-1995)

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge), SH-2 Jazz (neck) humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1994-1995. No direct evidence for pedals or alternate guitars for the riff section; Richie Sambora was known to use Les Pauls and Marshalls in the studio for this album. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for this part.

Tone Character(10)

thick and mid-forwardwarm and saturatedpunchy and articulateslightly compressed sustainopen and ringingsmooth top endstudio-polished clarityclassic 90s arena rock crunchtight and controlled low endnot overly bright or scooped

Difficulty

The riff requires tight timing, palm muting, and dynamic control, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Quintessential Rock Rigs by Decade - Premier Guitar

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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