GuitarDistortedRiff
Barracuda Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Heart
Heart · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1970s Gibson SG Standard (likely 1968, as per studio photos/interviews)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (original late-60s/early-70s spec, likely patent sticker or T-Top)
Amp
Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bassman 5F6 (1958-1960)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1977. The riff section was tracked by Nancy Wilson using her Gibson SG into a Fender Bassman. The signature flanger effect was achieved with a custom-built analog flanger (Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger). No evidence of additional overdrive/distortion pedals in the studio chain; amp was cranked for natural overdrive. All gear confirmed for studio recording of 'Barracuda' riff, not live or other songs.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb0.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger (custom kit) · flanger
Gibson SG → Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger → Fender Bassman 5F6 (cranked, no reverb)
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
- aggressive and biting
- tight and percussive
- distinct analog flanger sweep
- mid-forward classic rock crunch
- articulate and dynamic
- full-bodied with harmonic richness
- swirling modulation texture
- amp-driven overdrive
- clear note separation
- not overly compressed