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Blackbird — Alter Bridge1 / 2
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Blackbird Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
PRS SC 245
Pickups
PRS 245 humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording era, 2007), possible Diezel VH4 or Herbert for live/touring
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording for 'Blackbird' (2007). PRS SC 245 confirmed for riff section by Myles Kennedy. Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is the most cited studio amp for heavy tones on this album, though Diezel amps are used live and on later records. No evidence of Fractal or Axe-Fx on the original studio recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive palm muting
  • saturated modern rock tone
  • articulate note separation
  • chunky low end
  • clear attack
  • controlled feedback
  • powerful chord definition
  • slight amp reverb for space

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings for 'Blackbird' riff found; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier usage for modern rock/metal in the 2000s and confirmed gear.
  • ⚠️Some sources mention Diezel amps, but these are primarily for live/touring and later albums; Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is most likely for the original studio recording.
  • ⚠️No explicit pedalboard photo or pedal settings for the riff section; overdrive/distortion is primarily amp-based.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects (delay, chorus, flanger, etc.) on the riff section; only light amp reverb is likely.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Alter Bridge's 'Blackbird' riff features a saturated, articulate modern hard rock tone with tight low end, balanced mids, and enough treble/presence for clarity. Mark Tremonti typically uses a high-gain amp (Mesa/Boogie or PRS Archon), with mids not scooped, and reverb kept subtle for punch and definition.

Sources