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rhythm guitar from “alive” by pearl jam | ToneDB

alive

pearl jam

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A powerful and articulate rock rhythm tone, characterized by the classic pairing of a Gibson Les Paul and a cranked Marshall JCM800. It features a prominent midrange, crunchy overdrive, and a sense of fullness without excessive saturation.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul (e.g., 1960s model or Les Paul Standard/Custom)

Amp: Marshall JCM800 (likely 2203 100W head) with Marshall 1960 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (used as a clean boost or light overdrive), Studio Reverb (e.g., plate or hall)

Other: SM57 placed close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis. JCM800 settings: Preamp gain around 5-7, Master Volume pushed for power tube character, prominent mids in EQ.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in 1991 at London Bridge Studio, Seattle, WA.
  • Produced by Rick Parashar and Pearl Jam; Engineered by Dave Hillis.
  • Recorded to 2-inch analog tape.
  • Stone Gossard's main rhythm guitar part for 'Alive' was tracked using a Les Paul into a Marshall JCM800.
  • The focus was on capturing a powerful, live-sounding rock tone.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Gibson Les Paul or a similar humbucker-equipped guitar.
  • A Marshall JCM800 or a high-quality JCM800-style amplifier/emulator is crucial.
  • Employ an Ibanez TS9 or similar overdrive pedal with Drive set low and Level high to tighten the amp's low end and add sustain, rather than for heavy distortion.
  • Dial in the amp EQ to have a strong midrange presence; avoid scooping the mids.
  • If miking a real amp, position a Shure SM57 close to the grille of one of the speakers, slightly off-center of the dust cap.
  • Add a subtle touch of studio reverb (plate or room) for space, but keep it minimal to maintain clarity and punch.

Sources