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Are You Gonna Go My Way Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (1959 Goldtop or late 1950s Black Custom, both with PAFs)
Pickups
Gibson PAF humbuckers (late 1950s spec)
Amp
Gibson GA-5T Skylark
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1992-1993. Lenny Kravitz confirmed in Guitar World interview that the riff was recorded with a Les Paul (not the Flying V from the video) into a Gibson Skylark amp. No evidence of live/touring rig or alternate guitars/amps for the studio riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Origin Effects SlideRIG · compression
Gibson Les Paul Standard → Origin Effects SlideRIG → Gibson GA-5T Skylark (with light spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- British-style crunchy rhythm
- open, raw, and dynamic attack
- tight, punchy low end
- midrange-forward classic rock bite
- singing sustain
- bright and articulate highs
- touch-sensitive response
- slightly compressed from amp and compressor pedal
- aggressive pick attack
- vintage tube breakup
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found for the Gibson Skylark; values estimated based on typical Skylark use for classic rock crunch and era.
- Compressor pedal (Origin Effects SlideRIG or Cali76) is confirmed as used by Kravitz for this song, but exact settings and position in chain not specified.
- No evidence of fuzz, flanger, chorus, delay, or other modulation/time-based effects in the riff section; only compression and amp drive are present.
- Pickup choice inferred from classic rock rhythm tone and typical Les Paul usage for this style—bridge pickup highly likely.
- Presence and reverb settings estimated based on amp type and genre; Skylark has minimal reverb.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kravitz's riff tone is classic hard rock crunch with a pronounced midrange, likely using a Marshall-style amp with moderate gain, full mids, and balanced bass/treble for punch and clarity. The production is dry and direct, with minimal reverb and a touch of presence for air.