Black — Pearl Jam1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

Black Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1959 reissue, Stone Gossard's main guitar on Ten)
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1991. Gear based on interviews, era, and typical setup for Stone Gossard during Ten sessions. No direct source confirms exact serial/model for 'Black' riff, but Les Paul into JCM800 is widely accepted for Ten rhythm tracks.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
4.5
Reverb
2.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • warm and mid-focused
  • open and dynamic
  • slightly compressed
  • clear note separation
  • touch-sensitive
  • organic and unprocessed
  • classic Marshall breakup
  • rich chord voicings
  • no obvious modulation
  • subtle amp reverb

Sources