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lead guitar from “what's my age again?” by blink-182 | ToneDB

what's my age again?

blink-182

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A bright and punchy pop-punk guitar tone with a slightly overdriven character, perfect for driving power chords and catchy melodies.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifieramp
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Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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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 Stratocaster

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Microphone: Shure SM57

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

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone$80-$120

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

ReverbSweetwater
PRS MT 15 Mark Tremonti$600-$700

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

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Fortin Cali Suite$120-$140

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Digital recreation of Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amps with built-in cab simulation and ability to easily double-track

ReverbSweetwater
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Affordable Strat with humbucker-capable pickup configuration that delivers the bright, punchy character

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

Same microphone used on the original recording, still the industry standard for guitar amp miking

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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