GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
I Am the Resurrection Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1970s or 1980s, sunburst finish)
Pickups
Humbucker (stock Gibson, likely T-Top or similar)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 head with 4x12 cab
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1988-89. Gear confirmed for debut album era by multiple sources, including Equipboard and period photos. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the main riff section. No pedalboard evidence for the riff section; Squire was known to use pedals for solos and effects sections but the main riff is dry.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- bright and jangly
- crunchy British amp character
- articulate and defined chords
- slight breakup with dynamic response
- tight low end
- upper-mid presence
- minimal effects coloration
- open and percussive attack
- classic indie/alternative rock rhythm
- not overly compressed
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings for 'I Am the Resurrection' riff found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 use for 1980s British indie/rock and the audible tone.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; Squire's pedal use is documented for solos and instrumental sections, not for the main riff.
- Guitar model confirmed for debut album era, but some sources mention Stratocaster use for solos or other tracks—Les Paul is most consistent for the main riff.
- Pickup selector inferred from typical Les Paul rhythm use and the bright, crunchy tone.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. John Squire's tone on 'I Am the Resurrection' is classic British rock with a jangly, articulate crunch—likely a Marshall or Vox amp set for edge-of-breakup to light crunch, with pronounced mids and treble for clarity, moderate bass, and subtle reverb for space. These settings reflect the era's production and Squire's known amp preferences.