Song Rig

Ocean Size

Dave Navarro · Nothing's Shocking · 1988

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Jane's Addiction's debut album opener — Navarro's most riff-driven and heavy recording. The Les Paul through the Marshall produces a thick, dark distortion that anchors the band's psychedelic-metal sound. The production is raw and direct compared to the more polished Ritual de lo Habitual.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Les Paul (standard humbuckers, bridge pickup)
2Marshall JCM800
3Boss DD-3 Delay

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass7

Mid7

Treble7

Presence7

Darker and heavier than the Red Hot Chili Peppers sound Navarro would later develop — Jane's Addiction music demanded a richer, more psychedelic distortion texture.

Technique

How to Play It

Chord riff construction with atmospheric lead inserts — Ocean Size alternates between the main heavy riff and atmospheric, effects-heavy lead sections that give the song a wider dynamic range than pure hard rock.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul → Marshall JCM800 → Boss DD-3 delay → the heavy riff needs maximum pick attack while the lead sections benefit from the delay creating space and atmosphere.

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