Tone Profile

A powerful, punchy, and articulate rhythm guitar tone with a distinct midrange presence and natural tube overdrive, characteristic of a cranked Marshall stack in a live room.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Recorded in 1972 at Stargroves, Mick Jagger's country estate, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, which featured a Helios console.
• Engineered by Andy Johns, known for capturing big, ambient rock sounds.
• The guitar tone is primarily achieved through the interaction of the Les Paul and the cranked Marshall amp.
• The unique tuning for 'The Ocean' is D-G-C-G-C-D (Open Gsus4 with a low D), which contributes significantly to the riff's massive sound and unique voicings.
• Minimal post-processing on the guitar track itself for the main riff, focusing on capturing the source tone effectively.

Recreation Tips

• Keep effects minimal for the main rhythm; the core tone comes from the guitar and amp.
• Use a Les Paul or similar humbucker-equipped guitar.
• A Marshall Plexi-style amplifier (e.g., 1959SLP, JTM45) is essential, pushed to the edge of breakup or into full overdrive.
• Tune your guitar to D-G-C-G-C-D. This is crucial for the riff's character and feel.
• Set amp EQ to emphasize midrange and treble for clarity and punch; bass should be present but not overwhelming (Page often rolled back bass on his amps).
• Use a close microphone (like an SM57, MD421, or a Neumann U67/U87 style condenser) on one of the speakers.
• Play with a confident, strong pick attack.

Recommended Gear

• Gibson Les Paul Standard (e.g., 1959 model/reissue)(guitar)
• Marshall Super Lead 100W Plexi (e.g., 1959SLP)(amp)
• Marshall 1960AX/BX Cabinet (loaded with Celestion G12M Greenbacks)(amp)
• Neumann U67(mic)
• Helios Type 69 Preamp/EQ (or quality emulation like UAD Helios Type 69)(preamp)