TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “stairway to heaven” by led zeppelin | ToneDB

stairway to heaven

led zeppelin

rhythm guitar

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A clean, jangly electric guitar tone with a slightly compressed and bright character. It evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and warmth.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

The Story

Jimmy Page's acoustic-like rhythm guitar tone on "Stairway to Heaven" was recorded at Headley Grange using a Fender Telecaster through a Supro Coronado amp. The recording was captured with a Neumann U67 microphone placed several feet away from the amp to capture both the direct sound and the natural room acoustics. The distant miking technique and the acoustics of Headley Grange contributed significantly to the warm, ethereal quality of the tone.

Production Credits

Producer: Jimmy Page

Engineer: Andy Johns

Recorded at: Headley Grange

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Telecaster or similar single-coil guitar.
  • Use a Supro Coronado amp or a similar low-wattage tube amp known for its clean and slightly overdriven tones.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to capture both the direct sound and room ambience. Try blending a close mic with a room mic.
  • Add a touch of compression to even out the dynamics and enhance the sustain.
  • Use a slight boost in the high frequencies to brighten the tone and add clarity.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster ThinlineShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Provides similar single-coil clarity and jangle at a budget price point, with the semi-hollow construction adding warmth

Supro Delta King 10Shop on Reverb$500-$600

Alternative to: Supro Coronado

Modern Supro amp that captures the vintage Supro clean tone character with similar headroom and compression

Warm Audio WA-67Shop on Reverb$900-$1000

Alternative to: Neumann U67

Affordable recreation of the U67 circuit and sound, perfect for capturing the warm, distant miked guitar tone

Strymon FlintShop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Room acoustics and distant miking

The spring reverb setting can simulate the natural room ambience captured in the original recording

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact DeluxeShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Natural tube compression

Adds the subtle compression that enhances sustain and evenness without coloring the clean tone

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!