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lead guitar from “paradise city” by guns n' roses | ToneDB

paradise city

guns n' roses

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A legendary, searing high-gain Marshall tone with a vocal-like midrange, rich sustain, and articulate pick attack, often utilizing the Les Paul's neck pickup for warmth and fullness.

Signal Chain

Instrument: 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Replica (e.g., Kris Derrig model) with Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro humbuckers

Amp: Modified 1970s Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W (S.I.R. Stock #39, 'AFD Mod' by Tim Caswell) into a Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M-25 'Greenback' speakers

Microphone: Shure SM57 (close-miked on one speaker), possibly blended with a Neumann U87 or Royer R-121 further back

Processing: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (GCB95), Studio Plate Reverb (e.g., EMT 250), Studio Delay (e.g., Roland SDE-3000 or Lexicon PCM70, particularly noticeable on the outro solo)

Other: Primarily neck pickup for solos to achieve warmth and singing sustain. Bridge pickup for more aggressive phrases. Dynamic use of guitar's volume and tone controls. The S.I.R. #39 amp was modded with an extra preamp tube for more gain.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Rumbo Recorders, Los Angeles, as part of the 'Appetite for Destruction' sessions.
  • Produced by Mike Clink, who was instrumental in capturing the band's raw energy.
  • The S.I.R. #39 Marshall amp was a rental that Slash loved so much he tried to keep; it was crucial for the album's guitar tones.
  • Guitars were likely double-tracked in many sections to create a wider, more powerful sound.
  • The specific Marshall cabinet used was loaded with 25-watt Celestion G12M 'Greenback' speakers, though some sources mention Vintage 30s being used on other tracks or later.
  • Mic placement was key, with the SM57 likely aimed at the edge of the dust cap for a balanced sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Les Paul-style guitar, preferably with Alnico II Pro humbuckers.
  • A Marshall Plexi or JCM800-style amplifier is essential. Consider an 'AFD' mod or a pedal designed to emulate that specific Marshall voicing (e.g., a hot-rodded Plexi sound).
  • Set amp EQ for a strong midrange: Presence around 0-3, Bass 6-7, Middle 7-8, Treble 4-6. Gain to taste, but don't over-saturate; much of the 'feel' comes from volume.
  • Utilize the neck pickup for most lead work to get that smooth, singing quality. Switch to the bridge for brighter, more cutting tones.
  • A Cry Baby wah pedal is a must for replicating Slash's expressive solos.
  • Add a touch of plate-style reverb and a subtle analog or digital delay. For the outro solo, increase the delay mix and feedback.
  • Don't be afraid to use your guitar's volume and tone knobs to shape the sound dynamically.
  • Consider using lower output pickups (like Alnico II Pros) as they allow the amp's character to shine through more and clean up better with the volume knob.

Sources