Tone Profile

Bright, jangly rhythm guitar tone with a slightly overdriven character. The sound is iconic for its British Invasion energy and clear, cutting presence.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The Beatles frequently used Vox AC30 amplifiers known for their chime and overdrive characteristics when pushed.
• Multiple guitars were often layered to create a thicker, more harmonically rich rhythm sound.
• Neumann U67 microphones were common in Abbey Road Studios during this era.
• The room acoustics at Abbey Road contributed to the overall sound, providing natural ambience and depth.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Gretsch 6120 or similar hollow-body guitar for the basic tone.
• Use a Vox AC30 amp model or a real AC30, setting it for a slightly overdriven tone.
• Experiment with microphone placement to capture the right balance of direct and ambient sound.
• Double-track the guitar part to add thickness and character, slightly varying the performance each time.
• Use EQ to brighten the tone and cut any muddiness in the low-mid frequencies.

Recommended Gear

• Gretsch 6120(guitar)
• Vox AC30(amp)
• Neumann U67(mic)