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Riff Tone

Three of a Perfect Pair

King Crimson

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRoland G-808 Guitar Controller (used to drive Roland GR-300 Synth)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (early '70s model)

PickupsDiMarzio humbuckers (in G-808)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984. Adrian Belew used the Roland G-808 guitar controller to trigger the GR-300 synth, running into a Roland JC-120 amp for the clean, chorus-laden riff sections. Gear confirmed for studio use by Premier Guitar's 2024 rig rundown referencing period-correct equipment for 'Three of a Perfect Pair.'

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and hi-filush stereo chorusbright and glassysynth-like clean timbrearticulate note separationpercussive attackshimmering top endno breakup or gritsustain from synth, not ampdistinct Roland JC-120 character

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, precise picking and clean technique for proper synth tracking, as well as rhythmic accuracy and muting to maintain note separation and clarity. The use of the GR-300 synth adds a layer of technical challenge not present in standard guitar playing.

Sources

Racked Up - Premier Guitar

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Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarRoland G-808 Guitar Controller (used to drive Roland GR-300 Synth)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (early '70s model)

PickupsDiMarzio humbuckers (in G-808)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Sources

Racked Up - Premier Guitar

Notes

Studio recording, 1983-1984. Adrian Belew used the Roland G-808 guitar controller to trigger the GR-300 synth, running into a Roland JC-120 amp for the clean, chorus-laden riff sections. Gear confirmed for studio use by Premier Guitar's 2024 rig rundown referencing period-correct equipment for 'Three of a Perfect Pair.'

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and hi-filush stereo chorusbright and glassysynth-like clean timbrearticulate note separationpercussive attackshimmering top endno breakup or gritsustain from synth, not ampdistinct Roland JC-120 character

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, precise picking and clean technique for proper synth tracking, as well as rhythmic accuracy and muting to maintain note separation and clarity. The use of the GR-300 synth adds a layer of technical challenge not present in standard guitar playing.

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