Riff Tone
Tom Sawyer (Live)
Rush
Guitarrock2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Howard Roberts Fusion
AmpHughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head
PickupsGibson humbuckers (one 'hot' bridge, one custom-wound neck)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Live performance, early 2010s (Time Machine/Clockwork Angels era). Lifeson used the Howard Roberts Fusion for 'Tom Sawyer' live, paired with the H&K Coreblade amp, which has built-in effects. Studio recording used different gear, but this is for live as requested.
Tone Character(8)
tight, percussive rhythm attackcrunchy, harmonically rich chordsarticulate, cutting midrangeslight modulation shimmerpresent, but not harsh treblefull-bodied, not overly saturateddynamic, responsive to pickingclassic rock crunch with modern clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced rhythmic precision, tight palm muting, and dynamic control to lock in with the band's complex groove, making it challenging for most guitarists.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Howard Roberts Fusion
AmpHughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head
PickupsGibson humbuckers (one 'hot' bridge, one custom-wound neck)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Live performance, early 2010s (Time Machine/Clockwork Angels era). Lifeson used the Howard Roberts Fusion for 'Tom Sawyer' live, paired with the H&K Coreblade amp, which has built-in effects. Studio recording used different gear, but this is for live as requested.
Tone Character(8)
tight, percussive rhythm attackcrunchy, harmonically rich chordsarticulate, cutting midrangeslight modulation shimmerpresent, but not harsh treblefull-bodied, not overly saturateddynamic, responsive to pickingclassic rock crunch with modern clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced rhythmic precision, tight palm muting, and dynamic control to lock in with the band's complex groove, making it challenging for most guitarists.
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