rhythm guitar from “i want it that way” by backstreet boys | ToneDB
i want it that way
backstreet boys
rhythm guitar
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)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb
Amp: Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb
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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