TONEDB

lead guitar from “rock you like a hurricane” by scorpions | ToneDB

rock you like a hurricane

scorpions

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A quintessential 80s hard rock lead tone: searing, articulate, and aggressive with prominent Marshall midrange, expressive wah, and polished studio effects. It's characterized by high gain, cutting attack, and rich sustain.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Explorer (likely with Schaller humbuckers or Bill Lawrence L-500 pickups)

Amp: Marshall JMP 50W Master Volume (model 2204) or early Marshall JCM800 2204

Microphone: Shure SM57 (close, on-axis to cone edge) blended with Neumann U67 or U87 (approx. 1ft from cabinet)

Processing: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, Treble Booster (e.g., Dallas Rangemaster style, before the amp), AMS DMX 15-80S Digital Delay (or similar studio delay, ~380-420ms), Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb (or similar high-quality studio plate/hall reverb)

Other: Bridge pickup utilized. The solo often features double-tracked parts or harmonies. The wah pedal is used extensively for expressive sweeps and as a parked filter.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany, with producer Dieter Dierks.
  • The 'Love at First Sting' album (1984) is known for its powerful and polished 80s rock production.
  • Dieter Dierks typically blended a close dynamic mic (SM57/MD421) with a condenser mic (U67/U87) set further back for guitar cabinets.
  • Extensive use of high-quality studio outboard gear for effects like delay and reverb was common.
  • The lead guitar is very prominent and forward in the final mix.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a humbucker-equipped guitar, using the bridge pickup for maximum bite.
  • A Marshall-style amplifier (or a modeler with a similar voicing) is crucial. Aim for high gain, strong upper-midrange, and a tight low end.
  • The wah pedal is essential. Practice expressive sweeps, rhythmic accents, and using it in a 'cocked' or 'parked' position to shape the tone.
  • Use a clear digital delay, set for approximately 380-420ms with 1-2 repeats and a mix level around 15-20%.
  • Add a studio-quality plate or hall reverb for ambience and space.
  • Consider using a treble booster or a clean/slightly overdriven boost pedal in front of the amp to increase saturation, tighten the bass, and enhance sustain.
  • Experiment with double-tracking your lead lines for a wider and more powerful sound, especially for key phrases or harmonies.

Sources