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lead guitar from “sledgehammer” by peter gabriel | ToneDB

sledgehammer

peter gabriel

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, articulate, and punchy lead guitar tone with a prominent 80s-style chorus and subtle compression, delivering a clean yet assertive character for the solo.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinberger GL2 (with active EMG pickups) or Fernandes Stratocaster copy

Amp: Music Man HD-130 (clean channel, bright voicing) or Fender Super Champ

Microphone: Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421

Processing: Boss Compressor (e.g., CS-1 or CS-2), Boss Chorus (e.g., CE-1, CE-2, or CE-3), Boss Digital Delay (e.g., DD-2 or DD-3) or studio AMS DMX 15-80S for subtle ambience/slapback

Other: Close miking (SM57 or MD421) for brightness and directness. A distant room mic (e.g., Neumann U87) may have been blended for subtle depth, according to engineer Kevin Killen.

Recording Notes

  • The guitar solo was performed by David Rhodes.
  • Recorded during the 'So' album sessions (1985-1986) at Ashcombe House and The Townhouse, London.
  • Co-produced by Daniel Lanois and Peter Gabriel, known for meticulous production and innovative use of effects.
  • Engineer Kevin Killen described David Rhodes' setup for the solo as relatively straightforward: guitar into a couple of Boss pedals, into a Music Man amp.
  • The 'So' album featured extensive use of early digital effects processors like the AMS DMX 15-80S.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar with bright-sounding pickups (e.g., single-coils, or active humbuckers like EMGs).
  • Aim for a clean amp tone with good headroom and a bright EQ setting. Avoid heavy distortion.
  • A compressor pedal early in the chain is crucial for the percussive attack and evening out dynamics.
  • A classic 80s analog or digital chorus (like a Boss CE-2 or similar) is key to the sound; don't overdo the depth.
  • Use a short digital delay for a subtle slapback effect or a touch of space, keeping it clean and unobtrusive.
  • Focus on a precise and articulate picking technique to enhance the percussive quality.

Sources