GuitarCleanRiff
Better Man Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Telecaster (likely American Standard, early 90s)
Pickups
Fender single-coil (stock Telecaster pickups, passive)
Amp
Matchless DC-30
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 1993-1994 (Vitalogy sessions). No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section. Mike McCready and Stone Gossard both used Matchless DC-30 amps in the studio during this era. Guitar confirmed as Telecaster for the main riff/intro by multiple interviews and live photos, but no direct studio photo for this exact take.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain3.5
Reverb2.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- chimey and clean
- warm and rounded
- articulate and dynamic
- slightly compressed
- minimal breakup
- soft attack
- clear single-coil presence
- slight amp reverb
- no modulation or delay
- studio clarity