Song Rig
Even Flow
Mike McCready · Ten · 1991
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Driving, rhythmically locked alternative rock — Even Flow has a tighter, more aggressive guitar tone than Alive. The main riff is palm-muted and precise, using the bridge pickup for more attack. The lead breaks are shorter and more explosive than the Alive solo — quick, confident phrases with strong Hendrix and SRV influence.
Signal Chain
- 1Fender Stratocaster (bridge pickup for riff)
- 2Fender amp (edge of breakup)
- 3Ibanez TS9 (more prominent for the riff sections)
Amp Settings
Slightly more gain than Alive — the bridge pickup and higher Tube Screamer drive setting produces a crunchier, less smooth tone that suits the rhythmic aggression of the riff. Less reverb than Alive; dryer, more direct.
Technique
How to Play It
The main riff uses tight downstroke palm muting — McCready locks with Dave Abbruzzese's kick drum pattern precisely. The lead breaks use aggressive bends and fast pull-offs, more economical phrasing than the Alive solo.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Stratocaster bridge pickup → Tube Screamer (drive at 5) → Fender-style amp at moderate crunch → minimal reverb.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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