GuitarDistortedRiff
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