Song Rig
Livin' for the Groove
Robben Ford · Handful of Blues · 1995
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Ford at his most R&B-influenced — a tighter, more groove-oriented approach than his straight blues work. The Handful of Blues production gives the guitar a more controlled, radio-present character while the Dumble still provides the harmonic warmth.
Signal Chain
- 1Tom Anderson drop-top guitar (neck humbucker)
- 2Dumble Overdrive Special
- 3Mild studio compression
Amp Settings
Cleaner and more controlled than straight blues work — the R&B groove context needs note clarity over raw expressiveness. Dumble clean channel with natural amp compression rather than overt drive.
Technique
How to Play It
R&B-influenced rhythm phrasing — shorter, more rhythmically locked phrases than his blues playing. Playing in the pocket consistently rather than for expressive variety. Every note placement is deliberate.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Humbucker guitar + TS9 at low gain into a Fender-style clean amp. Boss CE-5 chorus at very low depth adds the slightly polished character of the Handful of Blues production.
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