GuitarDistortedRiff
Alive Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely '57 or '62 reissue, as seen in 1991-1992 live and photo evidence)
Pickups
Fender single-coil pickups (vintage-style, stock on reissue Stratocasters)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1991)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1991. Mike McCready used a Fender Stratocaster into a Marshall JCM800 2203 head and Marshall 1960A 4x12 cab for the main riff section of 'Alive'. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section; distortion is from the amp. Live rigs and later tours used other amps and pedals, but the original studio recording is confirmed to be Strat → Marshall stack.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- classic British crunch
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- open and dynamic
- mid-forward
- slight breakup
- clear note separation
- aggressive pick attack
- not overly saturated
- vintage Strat clarity