GuitarDistortedRiff
Mr. Brightside Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Killers
The Killers · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson ES-355
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock ES-355)
Amp
Fender-style amp (likely Fender Hot Rod DeVille or Twin Reverb, as used in studio era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2003-2004. Dave Keuning is documented using a Gibson ES-355 for the main riff on the studio recording. Amp is described as 'Fender-style' in lessons and interviews. Settings below are from Guitar World lesson referencing the studio tone.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6.5
Gain6
Reverb4
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
- Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
Guitar → Chorus pedal → Delay pedal → Fender-style amp (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- chorus shimmer
- tight and percussive
- melodic and orchestral
- cinematic and spacious
- edge-of-breakup overdrive
- clear note separation
- hypnotic, driving rhythm
- modulated clean with grit
- vintage-inspired modern rock