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rhythm guitar from “i want you (she's so heavy)” by the beatles | ToneDB

i want you (she's so heavy)

the beatles

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Abrasive and heavy rhythm guitar tone, characterized by its thick, slightly fuzzy distortion and droning sustain. It provides a solid harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive to the song.

Gear

Gibson Les Paulinstrument
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Vox UL730amp
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Neumann U67microphone
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The Story

John Lennon's rhythm guitar on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" was recorded at Trident Studios using a Gibson Les Paul through a Vox UL730 amplifier, captured with a Neumann U67 microphone. The track features multiple layered guitar parts to create the song's characteristic thick, fuzzy distortion and sustained drone that anchors the heavy arrangement.

Production Credits

Producer: George Martin

Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Recorded at: Trident Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul

Amp: Vox UL730

Microphone: Neumann U67

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Les Paul-style guitar into a Vox-style amplifier.
  • Experiment with different fuzz and overdrive pedals to achieve the desired level of saturation and sustain.
  • Double-track the guitar parts and pan them slightly to create a wider stereo image.

Original Gear

  • Gibson Les Paul(guitar)
  • Vox UL730(amp)
  • Neumann U67(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s$500-$600

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Provides the humbucker pickup warmth and sustain of a Les Paul at a budget-friendly price point

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30C2$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Vox UL730 amplifier

Modern Vox amp with the same EL84 tube character and chime that defines the Vox sound from this era

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Vox AC-30 plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Vox UL730 amplifier

Digital recreation of classic Vox amp tones with the convenience of studio recording and consistent results

ReverbSweetwater
EHX Big Muff Pi$80-$100

Alternative to: Heavy fuzz distortion effect

Classic fuzz pedal that delivers the thick, sustained distortion needed for this heavy Beatles tone

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4047$400-$500

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Large diaphragm tube condenser that captures the warmth and detail of vintage microphones on guitar amps

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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