Riff Tone

Where Have You Been

Rihanna

Guitarother2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown (session guitar, likely Fender Stratocaster or similar HSS/S-S-H configuration typical for pop/R&B studio work in 2011-2012)

AmpUnknown (likely digital amp or direct-in with amp simulation, model unknown; no evidence of specific amp used on studio recording)

PickupsUnknown (likely bridge humbucker or hot single coil, model unknown)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5.5

mid5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionUnknown Compression pedal (model unknown)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2011-2012. No direct evidence of guitar/amp model for the riff section. No live/tour rig info applies to the studio track.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivebright and articulatecompressed and punchyslightly saturated crunchmodern pop clarityprocessed studio sheenmodest sustainrhythmic syncopationno excessive low endnot fuzzy or metal-like

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated rhythm playing with good muting and dynamic control to match the electronic production, but does not involve advanced lead or chord techniques.

Sources

Where Have You Been Guitar Version Tab by Rihanna | Songsterr Tabs with Rhythm Where Have You Been by Rihanna Chords, Melody, and Music Theory Analysis - Hooktheory

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account