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lead guitar from “it's my life” by bon jovi | ToneDB

it's my life

bon jovi

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is aggressive and punchy, cutting through the mix with a bright, slightly overdriven sound and a touch of chorus. It’s a classic rock tone with a modern edge, perfect for anthemic riffs and soaring solos.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifieramp
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Shure SM57microphone
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Boss CE-1processing
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The Story

Richie Sambora's lead guitar tone on 'It's My Life' features a Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp, recorded with a Shure SM57 microphone. The signal chain includes a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal that adds the characteristic depth and movement to the aggressive, high-gain tone. The track was recorded at Sanctuary Sound II in New Jersey with producer John Shanks.

Production Credits

Producer: John Shanks

Engineer: Obie O'Brien

Recorded at: Sanctuary Sound II, New Jersey

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster or similar guitar with single-coil pickups.
  • Use a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier or similar high-gain amplifier.
  • Experiment with different gain settings on the amp to find the sweet spot for the lead tone.
  • Add a touch of chorus using a Boss CE-1 or similar chorus pedal.
  • Use an SM57 or similar dynamic microphone to capture the amp's sound.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to find the best position for capturing the amp's tone.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Boss CE-1(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander$400-$500

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Recreates high-gain tube amp tones with the midrange scoop and aggressive character of the Dual Rectifier at home-friendly volumes

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Fortin NTS Suite$100-$150

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Digital recreation of high-gain Mesa-style amps with the tight, scooped midrange tone perfect for modern rock

ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-2W Chorus$150-$200

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Waza Craft pedal that recreates both CE-1 and CE-2 chorus sounds with the vintage analog warmth of the original

ReverbSweetwater
Fender Player Stratocaster$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Modern Stratocaster with single-coil pickups that deliver the bright, cutting tone needed for this aggressive rock sound

ReverbSweetwater
TC Electronic Corona Chorus$80-$120

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Budget-friendly chorus pedal with multiple voicings including vintage modes that can approximate the CE-1's lush modulation

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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