rhythm guitar from “i want it that way” by backstreet boys | ToneDB

i want it that way

backstreet boys

rhythm guitar

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Clean and chorused rhythm guitar that provides a bed for the vocals. The tone is bright and shimmering, filling out the mid-range frequencies without overpowering the lead elements.

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The Story

The rhythm guitar on "I Want It That Way" was recorded at Cheiron Studios in Stockholm under the production of Max Martin. While specific gear details haven't been confirmed in interviews, the bright, chorused clean tone is characteristic of a Fender Stratocaster through a Roland JC-120 amplifier, which was commonly used in late 90s pop production for this type of shimmering rhythm guitar texture.

Production Credits

Producer: Max Martin

Engineer: unknown

Recorded at: Cheiron Studios (Stockholm, Sweden)

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a clean amp setting on a Roland JC-120 or similar amp.
  • Use a Fender Stratocaster in the bridge or middle position for a bright tone.
  • Add a chorus effect using a Boss CE-1 or equivalent.
  • Experiment with microphone placement on the amp to capture the desired tone.
  • Use EQ to shape the sound and compression to even out the dynamics.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Alternative to: Roland JC-120 amplifier

Has built-in chorus based on Roland's JC-120 circuit and clean headroom for pristine rhythm tones

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 chorus pedal

Vintage-voiced chorus that recreates the lush, wide modulation of classic Roland chorus circuits

Alternative to: Roland JC-120 amplifier

Includes accurate JC-120 modeling with built-in chorus for that classic clean pop guitar sound

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster guitar

Provides the bright, articulate single-coil pickup sound essential for cutting through dense pop mixes

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 chorus pedal

Offers vintage chorus tones with TonePrint technology to dial in the exact width and depth of 90s pop chorus

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