Artists / John Mellencamp

R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A: Classic Summer Songs artwork

Hurts So Good guitar tone

John Mellencamp · R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A: Classic Summer Songs · 1982 · Rock

Crunch

Main Riff

AmpFender Deluxe Reverb
GuitarGibson Les Paul
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN5
BASS4
MID6
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE4.5
REVERB1.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Boss SD-1 overdrive
    Drive 4.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 6.5
    Mild push for the dirty rhythm parts.

Big open chords, let them ring — the amp does the work.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpFender Deluxe Reverb
GuitarGibson Les Paul
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN6
BASS4
MID6.5
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE4.5
REVERB1.5

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Boss SD-1 overdrive
    Drive 4.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 6.5
    Mild push for the dirty rhythm parts.
  2. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 4.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

Open in ToneAmp

Adapt this tone to your own amp and pedals in the app.

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