Distorted Tone
Unchained
Van Halen
Bassrock1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass (1970s, likely stock, passive)
AmpAmpeg SVT (1970s, tube, 8x10 cab, studio modded)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
mid6
treble6.5
presence6
compression3.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1981, Fair Warning album. Michael Anthony confirmed use of six Ampeg SVT heads (modded) in 1981 interview. Likely DI + amp blend, but no explicit DI box mentioned for this track.
Tone Character(10)
gritty upper-midsaggressive pick attackpunchy low endgrowling midrangeaudible tube overdrivetight, focused lowsslightly compressedclanky articulationclassic rock driveclear note separation
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires a strong, consistent pick attack and tight timing to lock with the guitar riff, especially with the overdriven, clanky tone.
Sources
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Create Free AccountBassrock1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass (1970s, likely stock, passive)
AmpAmpeg SVT (1970s, tube, 8x10 cab, studio modded)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
mid6
treble6.5
presence6
compression3.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1981, Fair Warning album. Michael Anthony confirmed use of six Ampeg SVT heads (modded) in 1981 interview. Likely DI + amp blend, but no explicit DI box mentioned for this track.
Tone Character(10)
gritty upper-midsaggressive pick attackpunchy low endgrowling midrangeaudible tube overdrivetight, focused lowsslightly compressedclanky articulationclassic rock driveclear note separation
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires a strong, consistent pick attack and tight timing to lock with the guitar riff, especially with the overdriven, clanky tone.
Unchained settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
More Van Halen tones
- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love · riff
- Panama · riff
- Unchained · riff
- Eruption · solo
- Eruption · riff
- You Really Got Me · riff
- Runnin' with the Devil · riff
- Hot for Teacher · riff
- "5150" · riff
- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love · solo