Riff Tone

Wanted Dead or Alive

Bon Jovi

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarOvation 1657 Anniversary Acoustic-Electric (12-string, piezo pickup, used for clean intro/riff)

AmpDirect to mixing console (studio), likely with added rack reverb; no evidence of traditional guitar amp used for clean riff section

PickupsOvation piezo under-saddle pickup (factory stock, 1986 model)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble6.5

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1986; clean intro/riff tracked with Ovation 12-string acoustic-electric direct to board, not through a guitar amp. No evidence of pedals or amp-based effects for the clean riff. Electric parts later in song use Les Paul/Strat and amps, but NOT for clean intro/riff.

Tone Character(10)

crisp and shimmeringbright and articulatelush stereo spreadnatural acoustic resonanceclean, uncompressed attacksubtle reverb taildistinct 12-string chimepercussive strummingairy and openstudio-polished clarity

Difficulty

The clean riff requires intermediate skill due to the 12-string acoustic's wider neck, need for precise picking/strumming, and maintaining clarity and timing for the iconic intro. The part is not technically advanced but demands accuracy and control.

Sources

Why John Bohlinger Likes Playing Acoustic Guitar - Premier Guitar The Muse and the Guitarists That Spark It - Premier Guitar

This tone has been researched 6 times by the community

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