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Riff Tone
Waiting Room
Fugazi
Guitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson SG (likely early 1970s, as used by Ian MacKaye on early Fugazi recordings)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (most probable studio amp for distorted sections, based on era and genre)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1988 (from '13 Songs' sessions). Ian MacKaye is documented as not using pedals for distortion, relying on amp gain. No evidence of effects pedals used for the riff section. Guy Picciotto's guitar is not the main source of the heavy riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
mid-forward and aggressivetight and percussiveraw and unprocesseddry attack with minimal ambiencearticulate power chordsslight amp breakupfocused, present midrangeno pedal colorationclassic punk/hardcore crunchdynamic response to picking
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically tight and requires precise timing and articulation, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson SG (likely early 1970s, as used by Ian MacKaye on early Fugazi recordings)
AmpMarshall JCM800 (most probable studio amp for distorted sections, based on era and genre)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1988 (from '13 Songs' sessions). Ian MacKaye is documented as not using pedals for distortion, relying on amp gain. No evidence of effects pedals used for the riff section. Guy Picciotto's guitar is not the main source of the heavy riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
mid-forward and aggressivetight and percussiveraw and unprocesseddry attack with minimal ambiencearticulate power chordsslight amp breakupfocused, present midrangeno pedal colorationclassic punk/hardcore crunchdynamic response to picking
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically tight and requires precise timing and articulation, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.