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Riff Tone
It's a Heartache
Bonnie Tyler
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarAcoustic guitar (exact model unknown, likely Martin or Yamaha dreadnought style, as was common in late 1970s UK pop/rock sessions)
AmpNone (acoustic guitar recorded direct or mic'd, no amp used for riff section)
Amp Settings
gain2
bass3
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Notes
Studio recording, 1977. All available evidence and listening indicate the main riff is played on an acoustic guitar, not electric. No evidence of electric guitar or amp in the riff section. No pedals or effects are audible except for possible light studio reverb.
Tone Character(10)
warm and natural acoustic resonanceclear and articulate strummingintimate and open soundgentle dynamic responseunprocessed, organic toneslight studio ambienceno audible compression or effectssoft attack with finger or light pickfull-bodied midrangesubtle high-end shimmer
Difficulty
The riff section is played on acoustic guitar with simple open chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, requiring only basic technique and timing.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarAcoustic guitar (exact model unknown, likely Martin or Yamaha dreadnought style, as was common in late 1970s UK pop/rock sessions)
AmpNone (acoustic guitar recorded direct or mic'd, no amp used for riff section)
Amp Settings
gain2
bass3
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1977. All available evidence and listening indicate the main riff is played on an acoustic guitar, not electric. No evidence of electric guitar or amp in the riff section. No pedals or effects are audible except for possible light studio reverb.
Tone Character(10)
warm and natural acoustic resonanceclear and articulate strummingintimate and open soundgentle dynamic responseunprocessed, organic toneslight studio ambienceno audible compression or effectssoft attack with finger or light pickfull-bodied midrangesubtle high-end shimmer
Difficulty
The riff section is played on acoustic guitar with simple open chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, requiring only basic technique and timing.