Riff Tone

When You Were Young

The Killers

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely American Standard or similar, as used by Dave Keuning in studio for this era)

AmpFender-style amp (likely Fender Princeton or Roland Jazz Chorus, as referenced by Keuning for studio use in this era)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2006. Dave Keuning is known to use a Fender Stratocaster and Fender-style amps for the main riff on the studio version. Chorus and delay effects are mentioned as typical for this sound. Settings are from a Guitar World lesson referencing the studio tone.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatecinematic and spaciouschorused modulation shimmercrunchy edge-of-breakup drivetight rhythmic attackanthemic and openclear note separationslightly compressedmodulated depthvintage-inspired overdrive

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its fast, steady rhythm, precise timing, and the need for clean articulation with modulation effects. The technical challenge is maintaining clarity and tightness at tempo.

Sources

The Killers guitar lesson: learn Dave Keuning's anthemic style | Guitar World Dave Keuning: “The second I get a pedal, I write a song with it right then and there, because it’s some fun, new sound that inspires me” | Guitar World

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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