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rhythm guitar from “rebel rebel” by david bowie | ToneDB

rebel rebel

david bowie

rhythm guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A raw, punchy, and slightly gritty mid-focused electric guitar tone with a distinctive, driving character, forming the song's iconic central riff.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul Custom (or similar mahogany body guitar with humbuckers, possibly an Airline Res-O-Glas or Supro)

Amp: Direct input into mixing console preamp (e.g., Neve or Helios) OR a small low-wattage tube amp like a Fender Champ

Processing: UREI 1176 Limiting Amplifier (used for saturation/distortion when direct, potentially 'all buttons in' mode), Subtle MXR Phase 90 (more prominent on other guitar layers or lead fills, but possibly blended lightly on the riff)

Other: Guitar played by David Bowie himself. The riff is likely double-tracked for thickness. The direct-to-desk sound with the 1176 pushed hard is a key theory for the unique grit. If an amp was used, it would be mic'd (e.g., with a Shure SM57).

Recording Notes

  • David Bowie played the main guitar riff himself, which was unusual as he often relied on session musicians for complex parts.
  • Recorded in early 1974, primarily at Ludolph Studios in Nederhorst den Berg, Netherlands, during the 'Diamond Dogs' sessions.
  • The riff is notable for its simplicity, catchiness, and instantly recognizable quality, often cited as a glam rock anthem.
  • The guitar sound is somewhat compressed, has a distinct 'honky' upper-mid presence, and a slightly lo-fi character.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar with humbuckers (like a Les Paul) and select the bridge pickup for maximum bite and clarity.
  • Experiment with plugging directly into an audio interface and using a preamp plugin with saturation, or an 1176-style compressor plugin pushed hard (try the 'all buttons in' trick for aggressive compression and distortion).
  • Alternatively, use a small, low-wattage tube amp (like a Fender Champ or similar) and crank it to achieve natural overdrive. Mic it closely with a dynamic microphone.
  • A very subtle phaser (like an MXR Phase 90) can add a slight movement, but it should be barely perceptible on the main riff.
  • Double-track the guitar part and pan the two tracks slightly left and right to create a wider, fuller sound.
  • Boost upper-mid frequencies (around 1kHz to 2.5kHz) with an EQ to emphasize the riff's characteristic 'honk' and cut through the mix.

Sources