What guitar did Nile Rodgers use on Let's Dance?

Nile Rodgers used a Fender Stratocaster for the guitar parts on "Let's Dance." This was his signature instrument and provided the bright, cutting tone that became synonymous with his disco and funk style.

How to get Nile Rodgers Let's Dance guitar tone?

Start with a Fender Stratocaster into a clean Fender Twin Reverb amp. The key elements are a stereo chorus pedal like the original Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus for the shimmering width, and FET compression from something like a Urei 1176 for sustain and evenness.

What chorus pedal did Nile Rodgers use on Let's Dance?

Nile Rodgers used a Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus pedal on "Let's Dance." This vintage pedal created the characteristic wide, shimmering stereo effect that's central to the song's guitar sound.

What amp did Nile Rodgers use for Let's Dance recording?

The guitar parts on "Let's Dance" were recorded through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. This provided the clean, powerful platform that allowed the chorus and compression effects to shine through clearly in the mix.

Where was Let's Dance by David Bowie recorded?

"Let's Dance" was recorded at The Power Station studio in New York City, with Bob Clearmountain as the engineer. The studio's acoustics and equipment contributed to the polished, radio-ready sound of the track.

lead guitar from "let's dance" by david bowie

let's dance

david bowie

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

A bright and shimmering clean tone with chorus and compression, creating a spacious and danceable sound. The guitar cuts through the mix with clarity and articulation.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Stratocaster(instrument)
Fender Twin Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus(processing)
Urei 1176(processing)

The Story

Nile Rodgers recorded his iconic guitar parts for "Let's Dance" at The Power Station in New York City, with Bob Clearmountain engineering. His signature setup included a Fender Stratocaster through a Fender Twin Reverb, recorded with a Shure SM57. The characteristic shimmering width came from the Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus pedal, while a Urei 1176 compressor provided the sustained, even dynamics that help the guitar cut through the dense mix.

Production Credits

Producer: Nile Rodgers

Engineer: Bob Clearmountain

Recorded at: The Power Station, New York City

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo ChorusShop on Reverb, Urei 1176Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Stratocaster into a clean Fender amp like a Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb.
Use a chorus pedal capable of a wide, shimmering sound, such as the Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus or a modern equivalent.
Apply compression to even out the dynamics and add sustain. A Urei 1176 or similar FET compressor can work well.
Experiment with microphone placement to capture the desired amp tone.

Original Gear

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Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb(guitar)
Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb(amp)
Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo ChorusShop on Reverb(pedal)
Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss CE-5 Chorus EnsembleShop on Reverb$120-$140

Alternative to: Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus

Provides the wide stereo chorusing essential to this tone at a budget-friendly price

TC Electronic Corona ChorusShop on Reverb$130-$150

Alternative to: Dyno My Piano Tri Stereo Chorus

Offers multiple chorus algorithms including tri-chorus modes that recreate the original's spacious sound

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact DeluxeShop on Reverb$320-$350

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Delivers authentic 1176-style FET compression in pedal format for that sustained clean tone

Fender '68 Custom Twin ReverbShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Current reissue of the classic clean platform amp used on the original recording

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionPlugin Boutique$150-$200