Riff Tone
When I Was Your Man
Bruno Mars
Guitarother2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarAcoustic guitar (exact model unknown, likely studio-grade, possibly Martin or Gibson based on era and genre)
AmpNo amp (direct mic or DI acoustic in studio recording)
PickupsPiezo pickup (if DI'd), or mic'd acoustic (model unknown)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass3
mid3.5
treble3
reverb2
presence2.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2012-2013. All available sources and audio indicate the riff is played on a clean, natural acoustic guitar with no electric amp or pedals. No evidence of electric guitar or amp use in the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
warm and resonantnatural acoustic timbreclear and articulate chord voicingsgentle and expressive strummingrich midrange presencesoft attack with smooth decayno audible effects or processingintimate and organic soundbalanced frequency responsestudio-quality acoustic clarity
Difficulty
The riff section is played on acoustic guitar using simple open chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, requiring only beginner-level technique and timing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarother2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarAcoustic guitar (exact model unknown, likely studio-grade, possibly Martin or Gibson based on era and genre)
AmpNo amp (direct mic or DI acoustic in studio recording)
PickupsPiezo pickup (if DI'd), or mic'd acoustic (model unknown)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass3
mid3.5
treble3
reverb2
presence2.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2012-2013. All available sources and audio indicate the riff is played on a clean, natural acoustic guitar with no electric amp or pedals. No evidence of electric guitar or amp use in the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
warm and resonantnatural acoustic timbreclear and articulate chord voicingsgentle and expressive strummingrich midrange presencesoft attack with smooth decayno audible effects or processingintimate and organic soundbalanced frequency responsestudio-quality acoustic clarity
Difficulty
The riff section is played on acoustic guitar using simple open chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, requiring only beginner-level technique and timing.
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