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Fives — Guthrie Govan1 / 2
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Fives Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Guthrie Govan

Guthrie Govan · 2000s · other

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Suhr Guthrie Govan Signature (early prototype, HSH, roasted maple neck, basswood body with maple top)
Pickups
Suhr SSH+ (bridge humbucker), Suhr ML (middle single coil), Suhr SSV (neck humbucker)
Amp
Cornford MK50H II head into Cornford 2x12 cab (Celestion Vintage 30s)
Pickup Position
Bridge humbucker

Studio recording, 2006. Guthrie Govan used his Suhr signature prototype for 'Fives' on Erotic Cakes. Amp was Cornford MK50H II, not Victory or Fractal (those came later). Effects were added via pedals and rack, not amp. Settings and effects are for the studio solo section only.

Amp Settings

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

Effects Chain

  • Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
  • Reverb pedal (model unknown) · reverb

Guitar → Delay pedal → Reverb pedal → Cornford MK50H II head → 2x12 cab

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Tone Character

  • singing sustain
  • liquid legato runs
  • articulate and dynamic
  • smooth, glassy top end
  • tight low end
  • touch-sensitive
  • bridge humbucker bite
  • clear note separation
  • fast attack
  • slightly compressed

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Amp settings are directly cited from Guitar World as recommended for 'Fives' era tones, but not confirmed as the exact studio settings.
  • ⚠️Guitar and amp model confirmed for Erotic Cakes era via Equipboard and multiple interviews, but not explicitly stated for the solo section of 'Fives'.
  • ⚠️Pickup choice (bridge humbucker) is inferred from source recommendation and typical fusion solo tone.
  • ⚠️Pedal models for delay and reverb are not specified in sources; delay is clearly audible in the solo, so included as 'Delay pedal (model unknown)'.
  • ⚠️Presence setting is estimated based on typical Cornford MK50H II usage in this genre/era.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation effects (chorus, flanger, phaser) in the solo section; only delay and mild reverb are audible.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Guthrie Govan's 'Fives' solo tone is articulate, dynamic, and mid-forward with moderate gain for sustain but not saturation, reflecting his preference for clarity and touch sensitivity. The settings reflect his likely use of a Suhr or Cornford amp with balanced EQ, slightly boosted mids/treble for cut, moderate presence for air, and minimal reverb to keep the tone direct and responsive.

Sources