lead guitar from “what's my age again?” by blink-182 | ToneDB
what's my age again?
blink-182
lead guitar
Tone Profile
A bright and punchy pop-punk guitar tone with a slightly overdriven character, perfect for driving power chords and catchy melodies.
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The Story
The guitar tone on "What's My Age Again?" was recorded during blink-182's "Enema of the State" sessions at Signature Sound in San Diego, produced by Jerry Finn with engineer Sean O'Dwyer. Tom DeLonge used a Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier, with the cabinet captured using a Shure SM57 microphone. The track features the characteristic blink-182 approach of double-tracking guitar parts to create a fuller, more energetic sound.
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
Recreation Tips
- Use a Fender Stratocaster with a bridge humbucker for a similar starting point.
- Dial in a mid-heavy, slightly scooped tone on a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or similar high-gain amplifier.
- Experiment with overdrive pedals to add sustain and aggression.
- Use a Shure SM57 or similar dynamic microphone to capture the amp's tone.
- Double-track the guitar parts for added thickness.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Budget option that provides the mid-heavy, slightly scooped character of the Dual Rectifier when used with a clean amp
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
15-watt tube head that captures the Mesa-style high-gain character perfect for pop-punk tones at bedroom volumes
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Digital recreation of Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amps with built-in cab simulation and ability to easily double-track
Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster
Affordable Strat with humbucker-capable pickup configuration that delivers the bright, punchy character
Alternative to: Shure SM57
Same microphone used on the original recording, still the industry standard for guitar amp miking
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