lead guitar from “californication” by red hot chili peppers | ToneDB
californication
red hot chili peppers
lead guitar
95% ai confidence
Tone Profile
A clean, bright, and slightly compressed Fender Stratocaster tone, often utilizing the neck pickup for warmth and featuring expressive wah swells in the solo.
Signal Chain
Instrument: 1962 Fender Stratocaster
Amp: Marshall Major (200W)
Microphone: Shure SM57 / Sennheiser MD 421
Processing: MXR Dyna Comp, Ibanez WH-10 Wah (V1), Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Other: Neck pickup primarily used for verses/main riffs, bridge pickup potentially blended or used for more attack in sections. Studio reverb likely added.
Recording Notes
- Amp set relatively clean, relying on preamp volume and guitar dynamics.
- Compression used subtly to even out dynamics and add sustain.
- The Boss CE-1 was a key element for adding shimmer and width, though sometimes used subtly.
- The Ibanez WH-10 Wah provides a distinctive, sharp sweep, especially prominent in the solo.
- Likely recorded with a combination of close mics on the cabinet.
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Stratocaster on the neck pickup.
- Use a clean, high-headroom amp (Marshall Plexi or Major style ideal).
- Apply subtle compression (Dyna Comp style).
- Add a touch of vintage chorus (Boss CE-1 style).
- For the solo, engage an Ibanez WH-10 style wah pedal with expressive, full-range sweeps.
- Keep gain minimal, focusing on clean articulation.
Recommended Gear
- Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
- Marshall JMP Super Lead / Major(amp)
- MXR Dyna Comp(pedal)
- Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (or clone/emulation)(pedal)
- Ibanez WH-10 Wah (or clone/emulation)(pedal)
- Shure SM57(mic)