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Let It Happen — Tame Impala1 / 2
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Let It Happen Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Tame Impala

Tame Impala · 2010s+ · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1967 Rickenbacker 335 (customized with tape)
Pickups
Rickenbacker single-coil pickups
Amp
Fender FM 212R
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2015. Guitar tuned a whole step down (DGCFAD). Gear and effects are based on studio use for the riff section of 'Let It Happen' as per Premier Guitar and Equipboard. No evidence of live/touring substitutions. Pedal models inferred from multiple sources and audible effects.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
5.5
Reverb
3
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Pitch shifter/octave pedal (model unknown) · other
  • Fuzz pedal (model unknown, likely 70s-style fuzz) · fuzz
  • Compressor pedal (model unknown, possibly MXR Dyna Comp or similar) · compression
  • Phaser pedal (model unknown, slow rate) · phaser

Guitar → Octave/Pitch Shifter → Fuzz → Compressor → Phaser → Fender FM 212R (spring reverb on)

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Tone Character

  • synth-like octave-down effect
  • fuzzy and saturated
  • thick low end
  • compressed and punchy
  • swirling phaser modulation
  • slightly lo-fi texture
  • medium sustain
  • tight attack
  • processed, almost bass-like
  • clear articulation despite heavy effects

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct studio amp knob settings found; values estimated based on typical Fender FM 212R settings for fuzzy, modulated rock tones and forum discussions.
  • ⚠️Pedal models are inferred from forum consensus, gear lists, and audible effects; exact studio pedalboard for this song is not officially documented.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from typical Tame Impala riff tones and the need for clarity in octave/fuzz effects.
  • ⚠️Octave and phaser effects are clearly audible in the recording, but exact pedal models are not confirmed for the studio version.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kevin Parker's 'Let It Happen' riff tone is slightly gritty, mid-forward, and rounded, likely using a vintage-style amp (Vox/Marshall/Fender) with moderate gain and a balanced EQ. The production is tight and dry with only subtle ambience, matching these settings.

Sources