GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
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