Riff Tone

Who's Crying Now

Journey

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (late 70s/early 80s, likely black finish, stock humbuckers)

AmpMarshall JMP 2203 100W head (studio recording, early 80s)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Super Humbucker, stock for era)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1981. Gear confirmed for this era and song by multiple interviews and period photos. PRS and later Marshalls not used until much later. No evidence of pedalboard for riff section in studio. Effects are likely rack or studio post-processing, but chorus and delay are clearly audible in the riff.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothchorus-ladensinging sustainslightly compressedclear melodic articulationrich midrangetight but not harsh highsfull-bodied rhythmanthemic and melodicpolished studio sheen

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level rhythmic precision, clean chord changes, and dynamic control to achieve the polished, melodic sound heard on the recording.

Sources

With an anthemic, ultra-melodic approach, Neal Schon ...Neal Schon's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps

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