The Zephyr Song — Red Hot Chili Peppers1 / 2
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The Zephyr Song Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely 1962 reissue, rosewood fretboard)
Pickups
Fender single-coil pickups (vintage-style, stock or Custom '60s)
Amp
Marshall Major 200W (studio recording, paired with Fender Showman Blackface on some tracks)
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle)

Studio recording, 2001-2002 (By the Way album sessions). John Frusciante used his main '62 Stratocaster with Marshall Major and Fender Showman amps for the album. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
0
Reverb
4
Treble
7
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble · chorus

Guitar → Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble → Marshall Major (with spring reverb)

Tone Matcher

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Tone Character

  • swirling chorus modulation
  • bright and glassy single-coil sound
  • nasal upper-mid emphasis
  • clean, shimmering texture
  • lush stereo width
  • articulate note separation
  • gentle attack
  • no audible distortion
  • slightly compressed feel
  • airy, open top end

Sources