GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Flower Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Soundgarden
Soundgarden · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Guild S-100
Pickups
Guild HB-1 humbuckers (microphonic, vintage spec)
Amp
Ampeg V-4 (likely, based on era and interviews; Marshall also possible but Ampeg cited for Ultramega OK era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1988-1989. Kim Thayil used the Guild S-100 with microphonic humbuckers for the riff. Chorus pedal was used in the studio. No evidence of fuzz/distortion pedals for the main riff; amp overdrive likely. Pickup selector set to bridge position for brighter tone. Effects chain is minimal, with chorus as the only confirmed effect.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb1.5
Treble6.5
Presence5
Effects Chain
- Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus · chorus
Guild S-100 (bridge pickup) → Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus → Ampeg V-4 (cranked for crunch, spring reverb low)
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Tone Character
- bright and biting bridge pickup sound
- microphonic, resonant harmonics
- percussive and dynamic riff attack
- chorus shimmer adds movement
- open-string drone resonance
- sitar-like harmonic overtones
- raw, uncompressed amp drive
- minimal pedal coloration
- aggressive, mid-forward punch
- distinct pick attack and string noise
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit amp model or settings for 'Flower' riff in primary sources; Ampeg V-4 inferred from era/interviews.
- No pedal settings found; chorus pedal use confirmed by artist for studio recording.
- No evidence of fuzz/distortion pedal for main riff; amp overdrive is likely source of crunch.
- Settings estimated based on typical Ampeg V-4 usage in late 80s alternative rock and Kim Thayil's stated preferences.
- Pickup model inferred from Guild S-100 specs and artist interviews.
- No evidence of effects loop use or additional modulation/time-based effects beyond chorus.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kim Thayil's tone on 'Flower' is classic late-80s grunge: crunchy but not overly saturated, with strong mids and a slightly dark, raw edge. Likely using a Marshall JCM800 with moderate gain, boosted mids, and minimal reverb, these settings reflect the punchy, mid-forward, and unpolished character of the riff section.