Tone Profile

A bright, resonant, and rhythmically driving upright piano sound, characterized by its clear arpeggiated melody and spacious ambient texture.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The iconic riff is a three-note arpeggio (E♭, B♭, G in the key of E♭ Mixolydian, or D, A, F# if considering the common transposition to D major for guitarists) played with the right hand, with the left hand typically playing octaves of the root notes.
• Recorded at Mayfair Studios (London) and Parr Street Studios (Liverpool) for the album 'A Rush of Blood to the Head'.
• The piano sound is central to the song's arrangement, providing the main harmonic and rhythmic drive.
• Extensive use of the sustain pedal contributes to the legato, flowing, and resonant quality of the piano.
• The performance is precise and metronomic, emphasizing the hypnotic, clock-like nature of the riff.

Recreation Tips

• Use a high-quality sample or VST of a bright upright piano; Yamaha U-series samples are ideal.
• Practice playing the arpeggiated riff cleanly and evenly. The rhythmic precision is key to the sound.
• Apply a generous hall or large plate reverb with a decay time of approximately 2-3 seconds to create space.
• Add a subtle stereo delay (e.g., ping-pong or a simple quarter-note delay synced to tempo), mixed low, to enhance width and rhythmic feel without cluttering the arpeggio.
• Use EQ to boost high-mid frequencies (around 2-5kHz) for clarity and brightness, and gently cut low-mids (200-500Hz) if muddiness occurs.
• Apply light compression to even out dynamics and help the piano sit prominently in the mix, ensuring the attack remains punchy.

Recommended Gear

• Yamaha U-Series Upright Piano(instrument)
• Neumann U87 Ai(mic)
• AKG C414 XLS(mic)
• SSL G-Series Console EQ(processor)
• SSL G-Series Console Compressor(processor)
• Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb(effects_unit)
• TC Electronic 2290 Digital Delay(effects_unit)