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Riff Tone

Reach For the Sky

Social Distortion

Guitarpunk2000s

Original Gear

Guitar1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
AmpFender Bassman (blackface, vintage, likely 1967) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet

Amp Settings

gain6.5
bass6

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 2004. Mike Ness is known for using his 1976 Les Paul Deluxe with P-90s into a cranked vintage Fender Bassman head through a Marshall 4x12 cab for Social Distortion's signature riff tone. No evidence of pedal use for the main riff; distortion comes from amp overdrive. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Ness rig. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on the riff section.

Tone Character(10)
thick and mid-forwardpunchy and articulatetight, percussive rhythmopen and dynamicslight natural compressionbright but not harshfull-bodied and musculardistinct P-90 biteno audible effectsclassic punk/rock crunch

Difficulty

The riff requires solid punk rhythm technique, tight palm muting, and aggressive picking, but does not involve complex chords or advanced techniques.

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