I Stay Away Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Alice In Chains
Alice In Chains · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
A reconstruction of the riff tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Studio recording, 1993-1994 (for 'Jar of Flies'). Jerry Cantrell is confirmed to have used the G&L Rampage with a Duncan JB bridge pickup and Bogner Fish preamp for Alice In Chains' 90s studio work. Some sources mention layering with Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this riff section.
Amp Settings
Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.
Effects Chain
- Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
G&L Rampage (bridge pickup, tone 1-2) → Chorus pedal (model unknown) → Bogner Fish Preamp → Power amp (likely VHT or Marshall) → Cabinet (likely Marshall 4x12)
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- mid-forward crunch
- tight and percussive rhythm
- bright and aggressive
- slightly saturated but not high-gain
- articulate note separation
- focused low end
- complex, layered harmonics
- chorus shimmer
- dynamic pick attack
- controlled sustain
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio