What guitar did Matthias Jabs use on Always Somewhere?

Matthias Jabs typically used Gibson Les Paul guitars during the Scorpions' classic era when "Always Somewhere" was recorded. The exact model hasn't been confirmed in specific interviews about this song, but Les Pauls were his primary instruments for lead work during this period.

How to get Scorpions Always Somewhere guitar tone?

Start with a humbucker-equipped guitar like a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall JCM800 or similar high-gain amp. Add moderate overdrive, then layer subtle chorus for thickness and delay for sustain to achieve the song's smooth, soaring lead tone.

What amp did Scorpions use in the 1980s?

Scorpions guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs primarily used Marshall JCM800 amplifiers during the 1980s. These amps provided the signature high-gain Marshall sound that became central to their rock ballads and harder material.

What effects pedals create the Always Somewhere guitar sound?

The lead guitar tone uses subtle chorus to thicken the sound and delay to add sustain and depth. These effects are applied lightly to enhance the natural amp overdrive without overwhelming the melodic content of the solo.

lead guitar from "always somewhere" by scorpions

always somewhere

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lead guitar

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Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone in "Always Somewhere" features a warm, sustaining overdrive with a touch of chorus and delay. It's smooth and melodic, providing a soaring feel that complements the ballad's emotional intensity.

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Gibson Les Paul(instrument)
Marshall JCM800(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Chorus(processing)
Delay(processing)

The Story

The lead guitar tone on "Always Somewhere" was recorded by Scorpions' lead guitarist Matthias Jabs at Dierks Studios in Cologne, produced by Dieter Dierks. The band typically used Gibson Les Paul guitars through Marshall JCM800 amplifiers during this era, with the smooth, sustaining lead tone enhanced by subtle chorus and delay effects to create the song's soaring melodic character.

Production Credits

Producer: Dieter Dierks

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Dierks Studios, Cologne

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb

Amp: Marshall JCM800Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: ChorusShop on Reverb, DelayShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Gibson Les Paul or similar humbucker-equipped guitar.
Use a Marshall JCM800 amp or a similar high-gain amplifier.
Dial in a moderate amount of overdrive on the amp.
Add a chorus pedal to thicken the sound slightly.
Apply a subtle delay to add sustain and depth.
Use an SM57 microphone to capture the amp sound, positioning it carefully to avoid harshness.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50sShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Humbucker-equipped guitar that delivers the warm, thick tone foundation needed for this ballad lead work at a budget-friendly price

Marshall Studio Vintage SV20HShop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Marshall JCM800

20-watt version of the classic JCM800 circuit, providing authentic Marshall overdrive at manageable volumes for home recording

Neural DSP Archetype PliniPlugin Boutique$120-$150

Alternative to: Marshall JCM800

High-quality amp modeling plugin with excellent Marshall-style tones and built-in chorus and delay effects for complete tone shaping

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Chorus pedal

Recreates the subtle, warm chorus texture that thickens the lead tone without overpowering the melody

Boss DM-2W Waza Craft DelayShop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Delay effect

Analog-style delay that adds the sustain and depth needed for the song's soaring lead passages

Sources

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lead guitar from “always somewhere” by scorpions | ToneDB