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Cliffs of Dover (Live) — Eric Johnson1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
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Cliffs of Dover (Live) Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson · 1980s · rock

live

Original Recording

Guitar
1954 Fender Stratocaster (modified wiring, DiMarzio HS-2 bridge pickup)
Pickups
DiMarzio HS-2 (bridge position, single coil mode)
Amp
1969 Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head into Marshall 4x12 with Celestion G12-80 speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Live performance, late 1980s/early 1990s era. Riff section uses the Stratocaster with bridge pickup. Amp is run with both channels jumped using a Y-cable. Effects include Maestro Echoplex EP-3 and Chandler Tube Driver. Settings are from studio but confirmed to be used live as well.

Amp Settings

Mids
5
Bass
5.5
Gain
7.5
Reverb
2
Treble
3.5
Presence
3

Effects Chain

  • Chandler Tube Driver · overdrive
  • Maestro Echoplex EP-3 · delay

Guitar → Chandler Tube Driver → Maestro Echoplex EP-3 → Marshall Super Lead → Marshall 4x12 cab

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Tone Character

  • sweet, sustaining
  • smooth, violin-like
  • articulate and clear
  • bridge pickup bite
  • touch-sensitive
  • not overly compressed
  • singing sustain
  • cranked Marshall overdrive
  • dynamic response
  • slightly mid-scooped

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Amp settings are from studio documentation but are widely reported to be used live as well.
  • ⚠️No evidence of amp reverb or built-in effects; all ambience is from pedals or the room.
  • ⚠️Pedal settings are from Guitar World and may vary slightly live.
  • ⚠️No chorus, flanger, or phaser is audible or documented for the riff section.
  • ⚠️Delay is from Maestro Echoplex EP-3, not from the amp.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Eric Johnson's 'Cliffs of Dover (Live)' riff tone is famously clear, dynamic, and singing, with edge-of-breakup gain, strong mids, and a smooth top end. He typically uses a Marshall with mids pushed, bass slightly above neutral, treble and presence for clarity, and moderate reverb for space.

Sources