GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Gimme Shelter (Remastered 2019) Guitar Tone Settings
The Rolling Stones · 1960s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Maton EG240 Supreme
Pickups
Maton single coil pickups (stock, 1960s Australian-made)
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (blackface, late 1960s studio model, with built-in tremolo and spring reverb)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (possibly bridge + middle), tone rolled back slightly
Studio recording, 1969. The original studio version of 'Gimme Shelter' riff was played by Keith Richards on a Maton EG240 Supreme through a Fender Twin Reverb. Tremolo effect is from the amp, not a pedal. No evidence of pedals used for the riff section. Pickup selector likely bridge or bridge+middle, with tone rolled back slightly. No fuzz or overdrive pedal used on the riff.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain3.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tremolo-drenched
- warm and haunting
- slightly gritty edge-of-breakup
- swirling, modulated texture
- rich and syrupy
- open and atmospheric
- not quite clean, but not crunchy
- dynamic and touch-sensitive
- slightly rolled-off highs
- spacious, with subtle reverb
Notes & Caveats
- No exact numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Fender Twin Reverb use for classic rock in late 1960s and tone descriptors from sources.
- No evidence of pedals used for the riff section; tremolo is from amp.
- Pickup selector inferred from tone descriptions and playing technique.
- Some sources mention live use of Les Paul Junior or Telecaster, but studio recording was confirmed to use Maton EG240 Supreme.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Keith Richards' 'Gimme Shelter' riff tone is classic late-60s British rock: edge-of-breakup with strong mids, moderate bass, and clear but not harsh treble. Likely a cranked early Marshall or similar amp, with minimal reverb and a touch of presence for clarity, matching the raw, forward sound of the recording.