Song Rig
Been Caught Stealing
Dave Navarro · Ritual de lo Habitual · 1990
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Jane's Addiction's most radio-friendly track features Navarro's layered guitar approach — a base of semi-clean rhythm guitar with wah-filtered single-note lines weaving through the arrangement. The tone is simultaneously raw and studio-polished, with a lo-fi funk feel uncommon in alternative rock.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Custom (bridge pickup)
- 2Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
- 3Marshall JCM800
- 4Boss CE-2 Chorus (on rhythm tracks)
Amp Settings
Medium gain with the wah providing the tonal movement. The JCM800 crunch is the backbone — Navarro rarely uses pedals for distortion, preferring the amp to be the primary gain source.
Technique
How to Play It
Wah used as a rhythm filter rather than a solo effect — held in specific positions or rocked slowly to follow chord changes, creating a vowel-like quality over strummed rhythm parts.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Gibson Les Paul or SG → Dunlop Cry Baby → Marshall JCM800 or any mid-gain British amp → Boss CE-2 Chorus on the rhythm layers.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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