lead guitar from “go to sleep” by radiohead | ToneDB
go to sleep
radiohead
lead guitar
Tone Profile
Abrasive and aggressive fuzz tone with a slightly scooped midrange, creating a raw and powerful sound. It's both cutting and thick, providing a strong presence in the mix.
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The Story
The aggressive fuzz tone on Radiohead's "Go to Sleep" was created using a Fender Telecaster through a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face pedal into a Vox AC30 amplifier. The track was recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood with producer Nigel Godrich, who captured the raw energy by close-miking the AC30 with a Neumann U47 and blending in a DI signal for added clarity.
Production Credits
Producer: Nigel Godrich
Engineer: Nigel Godrich
Recorded at: Ocean Way Recording (Hollywood, CA)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender TelecasterShop on Reverb
Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb
Processing: Fuzz FaceShop on Reverb, Dallas Arbiter Fuzz FaceShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Telecaster-style guitar for its bright and cutting tone.
- Use a Fuzz Face to generate the aggressive fuzz. Adjust the fuzz and volume knobs to dial in the desired amount of distortion.
- Set the Vox AC30 for a slightly overdriven tone. Adjust the EQ to scoop out some of the midrange for a more modern sound.
- Blend a DI signal with the amplifier track to add clarity and punch.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
Modern recreation of the classic germanium Fuzz Face circuit with the same aggressive, saturated fuzz character essential to this tone
Alternative to: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
High-quality Fuzz Face-style circuit with modern reliability and the ability to dial in that cutting, aggressive fuzz saturation
Alternative to: Vox AC30
Single-channel version of the classic AC30 with the same EL84 power tubes and characteristic midrange scoop when pushed
Alternative to: Vox AC30
Includes accurate AC30 modeling with speaker cabinet simulation, allowing for the same amp tone with modern recording convenience
Alternative to: Neumann U47
Faithful recreation of the U47's tube warmth and midrange character, perfect for capturing aggressive amp tones without harshness
Frequently Asked Questions
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