TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “need you tonight” by inxs | ToneDB

need you tonight

inxs

rhythm guitar

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A clean, percussive, and funky Stratocaster tone, heavily processed with a distinctive envelope filter creating a rhythmic "quack", along with tight compression.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (or similar S-style guitar, likely using an in-between pickup position like 2 or 4)

Amp: Direct Input via DI Box (to mixing console)

Processing: Compressor (e.g., MXR Dyna Comp, Boss CS-2, or studio unit like Urei 1176/dbx 160), Envelope Filter / Auto-Wah (e.g., Mu-Tron III, Boss AW-2 Auto Wah, or an Electro-Harmonix model like Doctor Q), Noise Gate (e.g., Boss NS-2 or studio gate), Console EQ, Studio Reverb (plate or hall)

Other: The guitar was played by Andrew Farriss. The DI signal is crucial for the clean, articulate, and percussive nature of the sound. Pickup selector likely in position 2 (bridge + middle) or 4 (neck + middle) for the characteristic 'quack'. Played with a staccato, funky rhythm using muting techniques.

Recording Notes

  • The primary guitar riff was recorded Direct Input (DI) to capture maximum clarity and allow the effects to dominate the tone.
  • A Fender Stratocaster was the guitar used.
  • An envelope filter (auto-wah) is the key effect, set to trigger prominently on the attack of each note.
  • Compression was used to even out dynamics and enhance the percussive, funky feel.
  • A noise gate was likely employed to keep the staccato rhythm tight and clean between notes.
  • The part was played with precise, rhythmic muting to create the short, funky stabs.
  • The original demo part recorded by Andrew Farriss at his apartment was transferred to the main multitrack for the album.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Strat-style guitar and select an in-between pickup position (2 or 4).
  • Plug directly into your audio interface or use a DI box. If using an amp, choose an ultra-clean one (like a Fender Twin or Roland JC-120) at low volume, or use an amp modeler on a very clean setting.
  • Place a compressor first in your effects chain (e.g., MXR Dyna Comp style) to get a punchy, even signal.
  • The envelope filter (auto-wah) is critical. Adjust its sensitivity so it opens up with your picking attack, creating the 'wah' sweep. Experiment with attack, decay, and range settings.
  • Practice the 16th-note funky rhythm with heavy palm-muting or left-hand muting to achieve the staccato feel.
  • A noise gate after the filter can help tighten up the sound further.
  • Add a touch of subtle reverb (plate or short hall) for space, but keep the guitar relatively dry and upfront.

Sources