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lead guitar from “cliffs of dover” by eric johnson | ToneDB

cliffs of dover

eric johnson

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is known for its smooth, violin-like sustain and singing quality, achieved through a combination of overdrive and compression. It's a highly sought-after sound known for its clarity and responsiveness.

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The Story

The lead guitar tone on 'Cliffs of Dover' was created using Eric Johnson's vintage Fender Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959 SLP head, with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 providing smooth overdrive and a TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger adding width. The track was recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, TX with engineer Richard Mullen capturing the sound with a Shure SM57 microphone.

Production Credits

Producer: Eric Johnson

Engineer: Richard Mullen

Recorded at: Arlyn Studios, Austin, TX

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a clean amp sound and gradually add gain from the Tube Screamer to achieve a smooth overdrive.
  • Experiment with different chorus settings to find the right amount of width and movement.
  • Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
  • Pay attention to your picking technique, as it greatly influences the articulation and clarity of the notes.
  • Consider using multiple amps to create a more complex and layered sound.

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss Blues Breaker BB-2Shop on Reverb$120-150

Alternative to: Marshall 1959 SLP head

Provides the smooth Marshall-style breakup and sustain at manageable volumes when used with a clean amp

Ibanez TS808 ReissueShop on Reverb$180-200

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact modern reissue of the original pedal Johnson used for his signature smooth overdrive

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$180-220

Alternative to: TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger

Provides the subtle stereo widening effect essential to Johnson's spacious lead tone

Neural DSP Archetype PliniPlugin Boutique$120-140

Alternative to: Marshall 1959 SLP and recording setup

Includes high-quality Marshall-style amp modeling with built-in effects for recreating the complete signal chain

Marshall Origin 50HShop on Reverb$550-650

Alternative to: Full vintage rig

Modern tube head with plexi-style voicing that responds well to Tube Screamer overdrive pedals

Sources

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