rhythm guitar from “paranoid android” by radiohead | ToneDB
paranoid android
radiohead
rhythm guitar
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
A bright, slightly overdriven rhythm guitar sound with a distinct amp character and subtle modulation, creating a sense of urgency and controlled chaos.
Gear
- Fender Telecasterinstrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Vox AC30amp
- ReverbSweetwater
- Neumann U87microphone
- ReverbSweetwater
- Pro Co RATprocessing
- ReverbSweetwater
- Boss CE-1processing
- Reverb$747Sweetwater
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The Story
The rhythm guitar on "Paranoid Android" was recorded during the OK Computer sessions at Pink Floyd's Astoria houseboat studio on the River Thames with producer Nigel Godrich. Ed O'Brien and Jonny Greenwood's guitar parts featured Fender Telecasters through Vox AC30 amplifiers, with the distinctive moderate overdrive achieved using a Pro Co RAT pedal. The subtle swirling modulation comes from a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, while the bright, present character was captured using Neumann U87 microphones positioned close to the speaker cones.
Production Credits
Producer: Nigel Godrich
Engineer: Nigel Godrich
Recorded at: Astoria Houseboat, River Thames, London
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender Telecaster
Amp: Vox AC30
Microphone: Neumann U87
Processing: Pro Co RAT, Boss CE-1
Recreation Tips
- Start with a clean amp tone from a Vox AC30 or similar amp known for its chime and bright character.
- Use a Pro Co RAT to achieve the moderate overdrive, setting the gain to a relatively low setting.
- Add a subtle chorus effect using a Boss CE-1 or similar chorus pedal. Keep the depth and rate low for a subtle, swirling effect.
- Experiment with microphone placement on the amp to find the sweet spot that balances brightness and body.
- Blend a direct input signal with the mic'd amp signal to achieve a balanced tone with both clarity and amp character.
Original Gear
- Fender Telecaster(guitar)
- Vox AC30(amp)
- Neumann U87(mic)
- Pro Co RAT(pedal)
- Boss CE-1(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Vox AC30
Current production AC30 maintains the same bright, chimey character and natural tube breakup that defines this tone
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Pro Co RAT
Still in production with the same aggressive midrange bite and moderate gain that cuts through the mix on this track
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Boss CE-1
Recreates the vintage CE-1's lush analog modulation with both standard and vintage voicing options
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Vox AC30 + Pro Co RAT
Accurately models the AC30's preamp and power tube saturation, stackable with RAT plugin emulations for home recording
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Fender Telecaster
Budget option that delivers the essential Tele brightness and cut needed for this aggressive rhythm tone
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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