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Riff Tone
Breakdown
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Broadcaster (original, early 1950s)
AmpAmpeg Rocket (vintage, likely early 1960s model)
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1976 debut album. Mike Campbell confirmed using his original Broadcaster and Ampeg Rocket on early Heartbreakers tracks including 'Breakdown'. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
edge-of-breakup cleanbright and articulateslightly compressedclear note separationwarm but not muddytouch-sensitivedynamic responseclassic 1970s rock rhythmno heavy distortionsingle-coil clarity
Difficulty
While the riff is not technically complex, it requires tight timing, dynamic control, and clean articulation to capture the song's signature groove and tone.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Broadcaster (original, early 1950s)
AmpAmpeg Rocket (vintage, likely early 1960s model)
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1976 debut album. Mike Campbell confirmed using his original Broadcaster and Ampeg Rocket on early Heartbreakers tracks including 'Breakdown'. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
edge-of-breakup cleanbright and articulateslightly compressedclear note separationwarm but not muddytouch-sensitivedynamic responseclassic 1970s rock rhythmno heavy distortionsingle-coil clarity
Difficulty
While the riff is not technically complex, it requires tight timing, dynamic control, and clean articulation to capture the song's signature groove and tone.