GuitarCleanRiff
The Thrill Is Gone Guitar Tone Settings
B.B. King & Eric Clapton · 1960s · blues
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
mid-1960s Gibson ES-355TD-SV (stereo, Varitone circuit, both pickups engaged)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stereo, both pickups active, Varitone position 2)
Amp
Gibson Lab Series L-5 solid-state combo
Pickup Position
Both pickups (stereo, Varitone position 2)
Studio recording, 1969 (album: Completely Well). B.B. King used both pickups with Varitone set to position 2, plugged into both channels of the amp via a stereo Y-cord. No evidence of pedals or outboard effects for the riff section. Clapton's rhythm guitar is not prominent in the riff section and is not the focus here.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb4
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- clean and glassy
- quick, percussive attack
- midrange honk
- treble cut
- ample headroom
- warm but articulate
- touch-sensitive
- lyrical phrasing
- forceful attack with heavy pick
- singing sustain from vibrato