GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
When She Begins Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Social Distortion
Social Distortion · 1990s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 1970s or 1980s, as used by Mike Ness on Social Distortion's 1990s recordings)
Pickups
P-90 single coil (stock on Mike Ness's Les Pauls of this era)
Amp
Fender Bassman (vintage, often modded by Billy Zoom or Fred Taccone for Mike Ness in the studio, through Marshall 1960 cabs with Greenback speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1992 (Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell album). Mike Ness is known to use his Les Paul with P-90s into a vintage Fender Bassman head, often modded, through Marshall cabs. Minimal pedal use in studio; most gain from amp. No evidence of additional effects or pedals for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and Ness's typical approach. No explicit pedalboard or effect chain for this song's riff found in sources.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- punchy midrange bite
- tight, percussive attack
- slightly gritty, open chords
- raw punk edge
- dynamic, responsive to picking
- full-bodied rhythm sound
- articulate chord definition
- slight amp breakup
- classic punk rock drive
- no audible modulation or delay
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source provides exact amp or pedal settings for 'When She Begins' riff; settings estimated based on Mike Ness's known studio rig and typical punk tones of the era.
- No evidence of pedals or modulation/time-based effects used in the riff section; Mike Ness is known for minimal pedal use in studio.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical punk rhythm tone and Ness's known preference for bridge P-90 in Les Paul.
- Amp reverb setting is estimated low; most ambience on record is likely from studio room/mix, not amp.
- If new evidence emerges of pedal use or alternate amp/guitar for this specific track, settings may need revision.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mike Ness typically uses a Les Paul through a cranked Bassman or Marshall with a strong midrange, moderate gain for crunchy punk rock, and subtle reverb. The tone on 'When She Begins' is punchy, mid-forward, and classic Social Distortion—crunchy but not high-gain, with a slightly warm low end and clear top.