rhythm guitar from “hey ya!” by outkast | ToneDB
hey ya!
outkast
rhythm guitar
85% ai confidence
Tone Profile
A bright, heavily compressed, and percussive acoustic guitar tone with a distinct jangly quality, providing the main harmonic and rhythmic drive.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Martin Acoustic Guitar (likely D-series)
Amp: Direct Input / Acoustic Preamp
Processing: Heavy Compression (e.g., Urei 1176 style), EQ (Boosting highs, cutting lows/mids), Possible slight Reverb or Room Ambience
Other: Likely recorded direct input (DI) for brightness and attack. Possibly blended with a condenser microphone signal. Likely double-tracked or layered for thickness.
Recording Notes
- The acoustic guitar provides the core harmonic structure.
- Heavy compression evens out the dynamics and emphasizes the percussive strumming.
- EQ likely used to enhance brightness and clarity, fitting it into a dense mix.
- Double-tracking the part would create a wider, fuller sound.
- Recorded by André 3000, who played most instruments on the track.
Recreation Tips
- Use a bright-sounding acoustic guitar, potentially with newer strings.
- If using an acoustic-electric, blend piezo pickup with internal mic if available, favoring the brighter pickup sound.
- Apply significant compression with a fast attack and release to get the pumping, percussive feel.
- Boost upper-mid and high frequencies with EQ.
- Consider layering two separate takes panned slightly left and right.
- Focus on replicating the energetic, syncopated strumming pattern.
Recommended Gear
- Martin D-28(guitar)
- Universal Audio 1176LN(compressor)
- API 512c(preamp)
- Radial Engineering J48(DI Box)
- Fishman Aura Spectrum DI(Acoustic Preamp/DI/EQ)