Back to CommunityCreate Free Account
Riff Tone
Manhattan
Eric Johnson
Guitarjazz1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely 100-watt Super Lead or JCM800 based on era and Johnson's typical studio rig)
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1996, riff section of 'Manhattan' from the album Venus Isle. Eric Johnson states 'almost all of the song is a Gibson 335 through a Marshall, with an Echoplex and a tube driver.' No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
warm and glassysmooth sustainarticulate note separationtouch-sensitive dynamicsslightly compressedrich midrangeclear highs without harshnesssubtle breakupnot overly distorteddynamic and expressive
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced chordal technique, precise finger control, and dynamic touch to achieve the smooth, expressive phrasing characteristic of Eric Johnson's style.
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarjazz1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely 100-watt Super Lead or JCM800 based on era and Johnson's typical studio rig)
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1996, riff section of 'Manhattan' from the album Venus Isle. Eric Johnson states 'almost all of the song is a Gibson 335 through a Marshall, with an Echoplex and a tube driver.' No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
warm and glassysmooth sustainarticulate note separationtouch-sensitive dynamicsslightly compressedrich midrangeclear highs without harshnesssubtle breakupnot overly distorteddynamic and expressive
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced chordal technique, precise finger control, and dynamic touch to achieve the smooth, expressive phrasing characteristic of Eric Johnson's style.