lead guitar from “time out of mind” by steely dan | ToneDB
time out of mind
steely dan
lead guitar
85% ai confidence
Tone Profile
A clean, compressed, and articulate lead tone with a subtle vocal quality, characteristic of Mark Knopfler's fingerstyle approach.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Schecter Stratocaster (likely Red 'Dream Machine')
Amp: Music Man HD-130 or Fender Vibrolux Reverb
Microphone: Neumann U87 or Shure SM57
Processing: dbx 160 Compressor (or similar studio compressor), MXR Flanger/Doubler (subtle setting) or Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, Volume Pedal
Other: Mark Knopfler's signature fingerstyle technique is essential. Possible blend with a DI signal. Studio plate or digital reverb added during mixing.
Recording Notes
- Mark Knopfler played the solo as a guest musician.
- Heavy reliance on fingerstyle playing, avoiding a pick.
- Compression used significantly to even out dynamics and add sustain.
- Likely recorded at A&R Studios or Sigma Sound Studios, known for high fidelity.
- Subtle modulation adds slight movement and width.
Recreation Tips
- Use fingers instead of a pick.
- Set the amplifier for a clean tone with plenty of headroom.
- Use a compressor with moderate attack and release settings to smooth dynamics without squashing too much.
- Select the bridge or bridge/middle pickup position on a Strat-style guitar.
- Use a volume pedal for smooth swells.
- Apply chorus or flanger very subtly for slight thickening.
Recommended Gear
- Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
- Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional(guitar)
- Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue(amp)
- Music Man HD-130 Reverb(amp)
- Keeley Compressor Plus(pedal)
- MXR Dyna Comp(pedal)
- Boss CE-2W Chorus(pedal)
- Ernie Ball VP Jr Volume Pedal(pedal)