GuitarCleanRiff
Folsom Prison Blues Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash · 1950s · country
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Esquire
Pickups
Single-coil (bridge position, stock Esquire pickup)
Amp
Silvertone 1300 (circa 1948)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1955 original Sun Records single. Rhythm guitar by Johnny Cash (acoustic), lead riff by Luther Perkins on Esquire through Silvertone 1300. No evidence of pedals or external effects; slapback echo was added in the studio mix, not via pedal.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- bright and twangy
- tight and percussive
- clean and articulate
- dry, punchy attack
- minimal sustain
- distinct slapback echo (studio effect)
- clear note separation
- percussive muted bass notes
- no audible overdrive
- classic country 'boom-chick' rhythm