Tone Profile

A bright, punchy, and aggressive rock tone with a distinct pick attack and a raw, slightly overdriven character from a cranked tube amp. It's direct and powerful, cutting through the mix with iconic Telecaster/Esquire bite.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The album *Combat Rock* was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York, and largely engineered by Glyn Johns.
• The production aimed for a powerful, direct sound, capturing the band's raw energy.
• The main rhythm guitar riff is a driving force in the song, likely close-miked.
• Double-tracking of the main riff is highly probable for its thick and wide sound in the mix.

Recreation Tips

• Use the bridge pickup of a Telecaster or Esquire-style guitar for maximum bite and twang.
• Dial in a bright, crunchy tone on a tube amp like a Mesa/Boogie Mark series. Aim for enough gain for sustain and aggression but maintain note definition.
• Employ a firm and articulate pick attack, focusing on consistent downstrokes for the main riff.
• Consider double-tracking your performance and panning the two takes slightly left and right (e.g., 10 L and 10 R) for a wider stereo image.
• Keep effects minimal; the iconic sound comes primarily from the guitar-amp interaction. Avoid excessive saturation or modulation on the core rhythm part.

Original Gear

• Fender Esquire (e.g., Fender Custom Shop '50s Esquire or Squier Classic Vibe Esquire)(guitar)
• Fender Telecaster (e.g., Fender Player Telecaster or American Professional II Telecaster)(guitar)
• Mesa/Boogie Mark I (vintage if possible, or a reissue/modern equivalent like Mark Five:25)(amp)
• Shure SM57(mic)