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When She Begins
Social Distortion
GuitarRiffDistortedpunk1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 1970s or 1980s, as used by Mike Ness on Social Distortion's 1990s recordings)
AmpFender Bassman (vintage, often modded by Billy Zoom or Fred Taccone for Mike Ness in the studio, through Marshall 1960 cabs with Greenback speakers)
Amp Settings
mid7
bass6
gain6
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punchy midrange bitetight, percussive attackslightly gritty, open chordsraw punk edgedynamic, responsive to pickingfull-bodied rhythm soundarticulate chord definitionslight amp breakupclassic punk rock driveno audible modulation or delay
Difficulty
The riff requires consistent, aggressive downstroke strumming and tight palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, but uses straightforward chord shapes and rhythm patterns typical of punk rock.
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