ToneAdapt

Loading...

Back to Community

Riff Tone

Black Flag

King's X

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Elite Stratocaster (early 1980s, CBS era)
AmpLab Series L5 solid-state combo amp

Amp Settings

gain7
bass5.5

Create an account to see all tone details

Create Free Account

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1989. Ty Tabor used his Fender Elite Stratocaster with all controls maxed into a Lab Series L5 amp for the main riff. No distortion or overdrive pedals; distortion comes from amp and picking attack. Effects for the riff are minimal—chorus and delay are used more for solos. Rhythm tone is dry and direct. Source confirms this is the exact setup for early King's X rhythm tones, including 'Black Flag.'

Tone Character(10)
crisp and clearly definedtight and percussivemid-forwardarticulate and harmonically complexmodestly compressedslightly dry with minimal reverbaggressive attackcutting rhythm presencenotably low bass from guitar (bass covered by 12-string bass)clear note separation

Difficulty

The riff requires precise, aggressive picking and tight rhythmic control to maintain clarity and punch, with moderate technical challenge due to syncopation and articulation.

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account