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Riff Tone
Always
Bon Jovi
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely late 80s/early 90s, as used by Richie Sambora in studio for 'Always')
AmpMarshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead Head (100W), 4x12 Marshall cabinet
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1994. Richie Sambora is documented using a Gibson Les Paul into a Marshall JCM2000 for Bon Jovi's high-gain rhythm tones in this era. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the studio riff tone. No evidence of alternate guitars for the riff section of 'Always'.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustaintight, focused rhythm crunchrich harmonic overtonesfull-bodied power chordsclear note separation under gainslightly compressed attackarticulate pick responsesmooth, saturated distortionmodern hard rock edgepunchy midrange presence
Difficulty
The riff requires tight rhythm playing with palm muting and dynamic control to maintain clarity under high gain, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex chord voicings.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely late 80s/early 90s, as used by Richie Sambora in studio for 'Always')
AmpMarshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead Head (100W), 4x12 Marshall cabinet
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1994. Richie Sambora is documented using a Gibson Les Paul into a Marshall JCM2000 for Bon Jovi's high-gain rhythm tones in this era. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the studio riff tone. No evidence of alternate guitars for the riff section of 'Always'.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustaintight, focused rhythm crunchrich harmonic overtonesfull-bodied power chordsclear note separation under gainslightly compressed attackarticulate pick responsesmooth, saturated distortionmodern hard rock edgepunchy midrange presence
Difficulty
The riff requires tight rhythm playing with palm muting and dynamic control to maintain clarity under high gain, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex chord voicings.