GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Creep radiohead Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Unknown Artist

Unknown Artist · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar

Fender Telecaster (likely Plus model, as used by Jonny Greenwood on 'Creep' studio recording)

Pickups

Single-coil (Fender Telecaster stock pickups, likely bridge position for riff)

Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verb Combo Amp

Pickup Position

Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1992-1993, Pablo Honey era. Jonny Greenwood played the main riff using a Fender Telecaster into a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verb. The amp was set for heavy distortion for the riff/chorus. No evidence of additional pedals for the main riff; distortion is from amp and/or Marshall Shredmaster pedal. All details pertain to the studio version, not live performances.

Amp Settings

Mids

6.5

Bass

6.5

Gain

6.5

Reverb

2.5

Treble

6.5

Presence

5.5

Effects Chain

Marshall Shredmaster · distortion

Fender Telecaster → (Marshall Shredmaster, if used) → Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Trem-O-Verb (with light spring reverb)

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Tone Character

crunchy and chimey
explosive and dynamic
tight and punchy rhythm
bright and cutting
raw and energetic
aggressive percussive attack
distinctive, biting attack
not overly saturated, retains clarity
British-inspired crunch
slightly compressed

Notes & Caveats

⚠️No direct numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier usage for 1990s rock and confirmed distortion character.
⚠️Pedal use for the riff is debated; some sources mention Marshall Shredmaster, but most agree amp distortion was primary for the main riff.
⚠️Pickup position not explicitly stated, but bridge pickup is strongly indicated by tone and genre conventions.
⚠️No evidence of modulation, delay, or reverb pedals on the riff; only amp reverb at low setting is likely.
⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff in 'Creep' by Radiohead features a crunchy, mid-forward Britpop/alt-rock tone typical of early '90s UK recordings, likely using a Fender or Marshall amp with moderate gain, balanced EQ, and subtle reverb for space. These settings reflect Jonny Greenwood's known gear and the song's production style.