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After Midnight — Eric Clapton1 / 2
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After Midnight Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s, 'Blackie' or similar, maple neck)
Pickups
Fender single-coil Stratocaster pickups
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (likely late 1960s/early 1970s silverface, possibly modded by Cesar Diaz)
Pickup Position
Position 2 (bridge + middle) or Position 4 (neck + middle) — likely for 'quack' tone

Studio recording, 1970, original 'After Midnight' single. Clapton was known to use his Stratocaster with a Fender Twin Reverb for this era. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; overdrive comes from amp pushed to breakup. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible in riff. No evidence of compression or wah for riff. Settings estimated based on typical Clapton/Fender Twin studio use for this period.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
5
Reverb
3.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5

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Tone Character

  • edge-of-breakup tube crunch
  • bright and articulate
  • tight and percussive rhythm
  • dynamic, touch-sensitive response
  • slightly compressed
  • classic Strat 'quack'
  • clear single-coil attack
  • subtle spring reverb ambience
  • focused midrange
  • no audible modulation or delay

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source gives exact amp or pedal settings for the studio riff section; settings estimated based on typical Fender Twin Reverb use for Clapton in 1970.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedal use for the riff—overdrive is amp-based. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible in the riff section.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from classic Strat 'quack' heard in riff and Clapton's known usage.
  • ⚠️If alternate sources show different gear for this specific session, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Clapton's 'After Midnight' riff section features a classic blues-rock edge-of-breakup tone, likely from a Fender or Marshall amp set for warmth and midrange presence, with moderate bass and treble. The reverb is present but not overwhelming, typical of 1970s production and Clapton's style.

Sources