GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Come to the Cross Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith · 1990s · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Unknown (no evidence for specific model on this recording)
Pickups
Unknown (no evidence for specific type/model on this recording)
Amp
Unknown (no evidence for specific model on this recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (estimated; typical for rhythmic pop/rock riff, but not confirmed)
No direct sources confirm the exact guitar, pickups, or amp used on the studio recording of 'Come to the Cross' riff section. No official rig rundown, interview, or studio notes found. All gear details are unknown for this specific recording and section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain4.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- clear and articulate
- slightly compressed
- edge-of-breakup clean
- moderate warmth
- not overly bright
- subtle reverb ambience
- tight low end
- present mids
- no heavy distortion
- no pronounced modulation
Notes & Caveats
- No direct sources confirm the exact guitar, pickups, amp, or pedal models for the riff section of 'Come to the Cross' by Michael W. Smith.
- No official rig rundown, studio notes, or interviews found for this song/section.
- All gear and settings are estimated based on genre, era, and typical production values for late 1990s/early 2000s contemporary Christian pop/rock.
- No evidence for any specific pedal or effect model used on this recording.
- No evidence for effects loop usage.
- No evidence for pickup selector position; bridge pickup is an estimate based on common practice.
- No evidence for live vs studio differences; assumed studio recording.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff section features a clear, articulate crunch typical of 90s/early 2000s CCM rock, with moderate gain, forward mids, and balanced bass/treble. Michael W. Smith's guitarists often used Mesa/Marshall-style amps set for clarity and warmth, with subtle reverb for space but not wash. These settings reflect the era, genre, and the song's mix.