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Riff Tone
And the Cradle Will Rock...
Van Halen
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Thunderbird
AmpMarshall Super Lead (likely 1959 model, as per Van Halen's typical studio setup for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1980. Guitar World and multiple sources confirm use of MXR Flanger for the riff. No evidence of Phase 90 or other pedals in the riff section. Thunderbird with EMGs is confirmed for this song, not the usual Frankenstrat. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for the riff.
Tone Character(10)
swirling and modulatedaggressive and crunchytight and percussivemid-heavy with full-bodied sounddistinctive 'brown sound'articulate pick attackclassic British amp crunchhigh-output pickup claritystudio-recorded, not livenot overly saturated, retains note definition
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive picking with precise palm muting and rhythmic accuracy, as well as control over the swirling flanger effect for the classic Van Halen sound.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Thunderbird
AmpMarshall Super Lead (likely 1959 model, as per Van Halen's typical studio setup for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1980. Guitar World and multiple sources confirm use of MXR Flanger for the riff. No evidence of Phase 90 or other pedals in the riff section. Thunderbird with EMGs is confirmed for this song, not the usual Frankenstrat. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for the riff.
Tone Character(10)
swirling and modulatedaggressive and crunchytight and percussivemid-heavy with full-bodied sounddistinctive 'brown sound'articulate pick attackclassic British amp crunchhigh-output pickup claritystudio-recorded, not livenot overly saturated, retains note definition
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive picking with precise palm muting and rhythmic accuracy, as well as control over the swirling flanger effect for the classic Van Halen sound.