rhythm guitar from “break on through (to the other side)” by the doors | ToneDB
break on through (to the other side)
the doors
rhythm guitar
Tone Profile
A raw, trebly, and slightly overdriven guitar sound that cuts through the mix with a garage rock edge. It's bright and percussive, providing a driving rhythm.
Shop This Rig
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The Story
Robby Krieger recorded the rhythm guitar for "Break on Through" using a Gibson SG through a Supro amplifier at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood. The session was produced by Paul A. Rothchild and engineered by Bruce Botnick. Krieger used an older SG model for the first album recordings, achieving the song's characteristic bright, cutting tone by using the bridge pickup with minimal overdrive and keeping the sound relatively dry.
Production Credits
Producer: Paul A. Rothchild
Engineer: Bruce Botnick
Recorded at: Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA
Signal Chain
Instrument: Gibson SGShop on Reverb
Amp: SuproShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Use a Gibson SG or similar guitar with humbucker pickups.
- Select the bridge pickup for a brighter tone.
- Use a Supro amp or amp model.
- Set the amp for a slightly overdriven sound with the gain fairly low. Focus on a bright, cutting tone rather than heavy distortion.
- Use minimal effects. A touch of room reverb might be added, but the core sound should be dry and direct.
- EQ the guitar to emphasize the high frequencies and cut some of the lows to achieve the percussive sound.
- Double-track the guitar part for added thickness and presence.
Original Gear
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- Gibson SGShop on Reverb(guitar)
- SuproShop on Reverb(amp)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Gibson SG
Provides the essential SG body shape and humbucker pickup configuration for that bright, percussive attack at a budget-friendly price
Alternative to: Supro amplifier
Modern Supro that captures the vintage Supro's characteristic bright, cutting tone with natural tube breakup
Alternative to: Supro amplifier
Digital recreation of vintage Supro amps with the same bright, garage rock character perfect for this trebly rhythm tone
Alternative to: Gibson SG
Authentic Gibson SG with vintage-style specifications that closely match Krieger's original instrument
Alternative to: Supro amplifier
Mid-range alternative that can achieve similar bright, cutting tones when set for light overdrive with treble emphasis
Frequently Asked Questions
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