Spoonman — Soundgarden1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

Spoonman Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Soundgarden

Soundgarden · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Guild S-100
Pickups
Guild HB-1 humbuckers (stock, microphonic)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier + Marshall 50-watt JMP (studio blend)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1993-1994 for 'Superunknown'. Kim Thayil played the riff section using the Guild S-100 with bridge pickup, through a blend of Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier and Marshall JMP amps. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
7
Reverb
1.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • sludgy and saturated
  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive bridge pickup bite
  • clear and articulate attack
  • heavy, chunky power chords
  • dynamic pick response
  • slightly scooped mids
  • modern rock distortion
  • bright upper mids
  • controlled low end

Sources