Song Rig
Hole Hearted
Nuno Bettencourt · Pornograffitti · 1991
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Another acoustic-forward Extreme moment — Hole Hearted uses a 12-string acoustic for the signature jangly shimmer. The electric guitar enters later with a clean, chorus-touched tone. Both the acoustic and electric tones are warm and melodic, consistent with Nuno's technical yet emotional approach.
Signal Chain
- 112-string acoustic guitar (for intro/verse)
- 2Washburn N4 or similar electric (chorus sections)
- 3chorus (Boss CE-5 or similar)
Amp Settings
Electric sections: very light crunch or clean with chorus and reverb. The song is tonally gentle — the chorus sections should shimmer, not crunch. The 12-string acoustic intro is warm and full; the electric carries that warmth forward.
Technique
How to Play It
Rhythm acoustic fingerpicking giving way to electric chord strumming — the two instruments create a textural evolution through the song. Nuno plays the electric rhythm parts with a lighter touch than on heavier Extreme material.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
12-string acoustic for intro (any budget) → single-coil or humbucker electric with Boss CE-5 chorus and reverb for the body of the song.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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