GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Heaven Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1963 Fender Stratocaster
Pickups
Fender single-coil pickups
Amp
Vox AC30
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Heaven' (1983-1984). Guitarist Keith Scott used a '63 Stratocaster and a Vox AC30 in the studio. No evidence of pedal use for the main riff; all effects likely from amp or post-processing. Gear confirmed for studio by direct interview and rig rundown. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain4.5
Reverb3
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- chiming highs
- tight and percussive rhythm
- slightly compressed attack
- clear single-coil definition
- modest sustain
- dynamic and responsive
- light palm muting
- edge-of-breakup amp character
- subtle room ambience
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found; values estimated based on typical Vox AC30 settings for 1980s rock and the audible tone on the recording.
- No evidence of pedals or outboard effects for the riff section; all effects likely from amp or studio post-processing.
- Pickup position inferred from typical bright, cutting Strat riff tone and live footage.
- If alternate gear or effects are found in future sources, settings may need revision.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Bryan Adams' 'Heaven' riff features a classic 80s rock crunch with clear note definition, moderate gain, and forward mids typical of the era and genre. The tone is warm but not muddy, with balanced bass and treble, subtle reverb, and neutral presence—consistent with Adams' use of Marshall-style amps and studio production of the time.