Tone Profile

A singing, blues-infused lead tone with significant sustain, characterized by a smooth overdrive and a distinctive, manually 'wobbled' ADT effect creating a watery, shimmering texture.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Eric Clapton performed the uncredited lead guitar solo as a guest.
• Clapton used George Harrison's red 1957 Gibson Les Paul, nicknamed 'Lucy'.
• Recorded on September 5-6, 1968, at EMI Abbey Road Studio Two.
• Engineered by Ken Scott, with Chris Thomas effectively producing the guitar overdub session as George Martin was on holiday.
• The unique 'wobbly' guitar sound was a key feature, achieved through manual manipulation of the ADT effect during mixdown.
• The guitar amp was isolated and miked in the studio.

Recreation Tips

• Use a Gibson Les Paul or a similar guitar with humbucking pickups.
• Employ a Fender Tweed Deluxe-style amplifier (e.g., a 5E3 circuit) and turn it up to achieve natural tube overdrive. Aim for a smooth, singing sustain rather than aggressive distortion.
• The crucial element is the 'wobbly' ADT effect. Use an ADT plugin (like Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT or Soundtoys MicroShift) and automate or manually control the LFO rate/depth or varispeed parameter to create a slow, uneven undulation. The original effect was not perfectly rhythmic.
• If manual ADT manipulation isn't feasible, a very slow, subtly modulated chorus or a rotary speaker emulation (set to a slow speed) can provide a similar, though not identical, texture.
• Add a touch of plate reverb for ambience (e.g., EMT 140 emulation).
• Focus on Clapton's expressive vibrato, string bending, and bluesy phrasing. His touch and feel are integral to the sound.

Recommended Gear

• Gibson Les Paul Standard(guitar)
• Fender '57 Custom Deluxe(amp)
• Neumann U67(mic)
• Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT(plugin)
• Universal Audio EMT 140 Plate Reverb(plugin)
• Chandler Limited REDD.47 Pre Amplifier (or plugin emulation)(preamp)