What guitar did Tom DeLonge use on Adam's Song?

Tom DeLonge used a Fender Stratocaster on "Adam's Song." He was known for using various Strat models during the Enema of the State era, typically with humbucker pickups in the bridge position for a fuller sound than traditional single-coils.

How to get Tom DeLonge's tone on Adam's Song?

Use a Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier with an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer as a boost. Set the amp for moderate gain with a slightly scooped EQ, and use the Tube Screamer with low drive to add sustain and tighten the low end.

What amp did blink-182 use on Enema of the State?

Tom DeLonge primarily used Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifiers during the recording of Enema of the State. This became his signature sound throughout blink-182's most popular period and is essential to their pop-punk tone.

Did Tom DeLonge use a Tube Screamer on Adam's Song?

Yes, Tom DeLonge used an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer on "Adam's Song" and throughout most blink-182 recordings. He typically used it as a boost with low drive settings rather than as a primary distortion source.

Who produced blink-182 Adam's Song?

"Adam's Song" was produced by Jerry Finn and engineered by Sean O'Dwyer at Signature Sound in San Diego. Jerry Finn was instrumental in shaping blink-182's polished pop-punk sound on Enema of the State.

rhythm guitar from "adam's song" by blink 182

adam's song

blink 182

rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

The rhythm guitar tone is a quintessential pop-punk sound: bright, crunchy, and energetic, providing a solid foundation for the song's driving feel. It's got enough bite to cut through but remains smooth and balanced for the genre.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Stratocaster(instrument)
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer(processing)

The Story

The rhythm guitar tone on "Adam's Song" was recorded at Signature Sound in San Diego with producer Jerry Finn and engineer Sean O'Dwyer. Tom DeLonge used his signature setup of a Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier, with an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer for additional saturation and tightness. The track was close-mic'd with a Shure SM57 and likely involved multiple guitar layers to create the thick, driving pop-punk sound characteristic of blink-182's Enema of the State album.

Production Credits

Producer: Jerry Finn

Engineer: Sean O'Dwyer

Recorded at: Signature Sound (San Diego, CA)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual RectifierShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Stratocaster and dial in a bright, slightly scooped tone on a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.
Use an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer with the drive set low to mid to add extra gain and sustain.
Place a Shure SM57 close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis, to capture the amp's raw sound.
Consider double-tracking or quad-tracking the guitar part to enhance the overall thickness and width of the tone.

Original Gear

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Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb(guitar)
Mesa/Boogie Dual RectifierShop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s StratocasterShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Delivers the bright, single-coil bite needed for pop-punk at a budget-friendly price point

Boss Katana 100 MkIIShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

The Rectifier model captures the aggressive midrange crunch and tight low-end of the original Dual Rec

Neural DSP Archetype: PetrucciPlugin Boutique$100-$120

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Includes accurate Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier modeling with built-in Tube Screamer-style overdrive

Boss SD-1 Super OverdriveShop on Reverb$50-$70

Alternative to: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Provides similar mid-focused boost and saturation characteristics as the TS9 at a lower price point

Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb$100-$130