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Riff Tone

Violet Hill

Coldplay

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

Guitar1978 Roland GR-500 Guitar Synth
AmpSilvertone 1484 Twin Twelve
PickupsRoland GR-500 proprietary humbucking synth pickups

Amp Settings

gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co RAT

Notes

Studio recording, 2007-2008. The main riff was tracked with a vintage Roland GR-500 guitar synth (not a standard electric guitar), through a Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve amp. The GR-500 was reportedly so temperamental it was only used in the studio for this track. Live, a Fender Jaguar and RAT pedal were used, but the studio version is the GR-500. Effects were added via pedals and studio rack units.

Tone Character(10)
saturated, synth-like distortionfuzzy, compressed attackthick, harmonically richtight, percussive riffingmidrange-forward crunchslightly scooped but not thinsustained power chord sounddistinctly processed, not organicstudio layering and ambienceaggressive, modern alternative rock texture

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight muting and attack to achieve the percussive, saturated sound. The use of a synth guitar adds a layer of complexity, but the actual playing is accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Jonny Buckland's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | EquipboardColdplay – Violet Hill - Gear & Equipment Used on the SingleJonny Buckland's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard[Question] Violet Hill Tone? : r/Coldplay

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