GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Johnny B. Goode (feat. The Starlighters) Guitar Tone Settings
Marty McFly · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson ES-345 (Sixties Cherry, as seen in Back to the Future film)
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers (Custombucker or equivalent, as per film prop and reissues)
Amp
Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bandmaster 5E7 (1955-1960)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio mimed performance for 1985 film 'Back to the Future', set in 1955. Guitar is anachronistic (ES-345 introduced in 1959), but this is the exact prop used in the riff section. Amp is visually confirmed as a Fender Tweed Bandmaster or clone. No evidence of pedals or outboard effects for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain3
Reverb2.5
Treble7.5
Presence5
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Tone Character
- bright and biting attack
- slightly gritty edge-of-breakup
- clear and articulate single notes
- snappy and percussive rhythm
- full-bodied midrange presence
- dynamic and touch-sensitive response
- vintage rock and roll clarity
- open and airy highs
- tight low end
- minimal compression or sustain
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit numeric amp settings found for Marty McFly's riff section; settings estimated based on typical Fender Tweed Bandmaster use for 1950s rock and roll and visual confirmation of gear.
- Guitar model (ES-345) is anachronistic for 1955 but is the exact prop used in the film's riff section.
- No evidence of pedals or outboard effects for the riff section; all effects inferred from amp and recording context.
- Pickup selection inferred from typical rock and roll tone and Ultimate Guitar Chuck Berry settings; bridge pickup is standard for this style.
- Reverb is set low, as Tweed Bandmasters do not have built-in reverb; any reverb would be minimal and likely from the room or post-production.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Johnny B. Goode' riff as played by Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future' emulates late 1950s Chuck Berry tones: edge-of-breakup gain, strong mids, bright treble, and moderate bass. The likely amp (tweed Fender) would be set for punchy, cutting rock 'n' roll clarity with minimal reverb, matching the era and performance.