Riff Tone

Where Have You Been

Rihanna

Guitarother2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown (studio version uses synth for riff; live version played by Nuno Bettencourt, likely with a Washburn N4 or Strat-style guitar)

AmpUnknown (studio version likely uses synth; live version not specified, but Nuno Bettencourt often uses Marshall amps live)

PickupsUnknown (likely humbuckers if Washburn N4, single coils if Strat-style; not confirmed for studio recording)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording features a synth riff, not guitar. Live performances (2011-2013) feature Nuno Bettencourt on guitar, playing a clean, funky version of the riff. No evidence of specific gear used in the studio version. Settings below are estimated for a clean, funky pop tone. Year: 2011 (album release), studio context.

Tone Character(10)

clean and percussivebright and articulatetight funk rhythmminimal sustainsnappy attackpop/house clarityno audible overdrivesynth-like precisioncrisp highscontrolled dynamics

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically tight and requires clean, precise playing with a funky feel, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead work.

Sources

How Nuno Bettencourt ended up playing with Rihanna | Guitar World

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