Tone Profile

Bright and bubbly synth lead with a playful, almost toy-like quality. It's punchy and slightly metallic, cutting through the mix with a memorable hook.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The Yamaha DX7 was a staple in 1980s synth-pop, known for its FM synthesis capabilities which allowed for creating bright, metallic, and complex sounds. The synth lead in 'Material Girl' likely utilizes a custom patch or a modified preset, emphasizing the higher frequencies and a quick attack.
• Producer Nile Rodgers was meticulous in how he mixed, EQed and compressed the sound to fit with the rest of the song's production.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Yamaha DX7 or a virtual DX7 emulator.
• Explore FM synthesis to create a bright, metallic timbre.
• Adjust the envelope to achieve a fast attack and moderate decay.
• Use EQ to boost high frequencies for added brightness.
• Consider adding a touch of chorus or slight reverb for depth.

Recommended Gear

• Yamaha DX7(synth)