GuitarDistortedRiff
Free Bird Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (early 1970s, likely 1959 reissue or original)
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Peavey Mace (early 1970s, 160-watt solid-state preamp/tube power amp combo)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 1973; Gary Rossington played the main riff on a Les Paul through a Peavey Mace amp. No evidence of pedals or effects except for light amp reverb. Settings are for the studio recording, not live.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5
Reverb2.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- warm and mid-forward
- slightly gritty edge-of-breakup
- articulate and dynamic
- classic southern rock blend
- touch-sensitive response
- full-bodied humbucker sound
- minimal compression
- light amp reverb for space
- clear note separation
- smooth sustain