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lead guitar from “lucidity” by tame impala | ToneDB

lucidity

tame impala

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A heavily saturated, swirling psychedelic fuzz tone with a vintage character, cutting through the mix with a bright, slightly compressed, yet warm lo-fi edge.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (likely bridge or middle/bridge pickup)

Amp: Vox AC30 (likely Normal channel, driven to edge of breakup)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Dunlop JDF2 Fuzz Face (Silicon), Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phaser, Boss DD-3 Digital Delay (for subtle ambience)

Other: Pedal order: Fuzz -> Phaser -> Delay. The Fuzz Face is crucial for the core saturated tone. The Small Stone provides the signature swirl. Mic placed close to the speaker cone, possibly slightly off-axis to tame harshness.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded during the *Innerspeaker* sessions, known for Kevin Parker's largely DIY recording approach.
  • The lead guitar is prominent and sits on top of the mix, indicating it was likely a key focus.
  • The overall production has a vintage, slightly lo-fi quality, suggesting less pristine recording conditions or intentional processing.
  • Likely close-miking of the amplifier to capture a direct and powerful sound.
  • Minimal post-processing on the core tone, relying heavily on the pedal and amp sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright-sounding guitar, like a Stratocaster.
  • Use a silicon Fuzz Face-style pedal; max out the fuzz/sustain knob and adjust volume to taste.
  • Place an analog phaser (like an EHX Small Stone) after the fuzz. Set the rate to a medium speed (around 10-12 o'clock on a Small Stone) for the characteristic swirl.
  • A subtle digital or analog delay can add depth without cluttering the sound.
  • Use a Vox AC30 or a similar British-voiced amp, set clean or at the edge of breakup. Let the pedals provide the main distortion.
  • Experiment with the guitar's volume and tone knobs to shape the fuzz character.
  • Consider a slight treble boost or cut via an EQ pedal or amp controls if the fuzz is too dark or too harsh.

Sources