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lead guitar from “tighten up” by the black keys | ToneDB

tighten up

the black keys

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A raw and gritty garage rock guitar tone with a fuzzy edge. The sound is driven and powerful, cutting through the mix with a slightly lo-fi character.

Gear

Teisco Del Reyinstrument
Reverb$99Sweetwater
Supro Model 24amp
Reverb$1499Sweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

Dan Auerbach recorded "Tighten Up" using a Teisco Del Rey guitar through a Supro Model 24 amplifier, captured with a Shure SM57 microphone. The album was recorded at Brooklyn Recording in Brooklyn, NYC with producer Danger Mouse and engineer Kennie Takahashi. This setup delivered the raw, fuzzy garage rock sound that became central to The Black Keys' commercial breakthrough.

Production Credits

Producer: Danger Mouse

Engineer: Kennie Takahashi

Recorded at: Brooklyn Recording (Brooklyn, NYC)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Teisco Del Rey

Amp: Supro Model 24

Microphone: Shure SM57

Recreation Tips

  • Use a fuzz pedal with a lot of character and don't be afraid to crank the gain.
  • Experiment with different mic placements to capture the amp's raw sound.
  • Try blending a direct guitar signal with the miked amp for added clarity and punch.
  • Consider using a ribbon microphone to capture a warmer tone.
  • Focus on playing with intensity and aggression to match Dan Auerbach's style.

Original Gear

  • Teisco Del Rey(guitar)
  • Supro Model 24(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Eastwood Sidejack DLX$450-$550

Alternative to: Teisco Del Rey

Captures the jangly, slightly unpredictable tone of vintage Japanese guitars with similar pickup configuration and build quality

ReverbSweetwater
Supro Delta King 10$400-$500

Alternative to: Supro Model 24

Modern Supro that maintains the brand's signature midrange growl and natural tube compression that made the original Model 24 perfect for garage rock

ReverbSweetwater
Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster$350-$450

Alternative to: Teisco Del Rey

Offers similar offset body design and bright, cutting pickup tone that works well for gritty garage rock tones

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC15C1$650-$750

Alternative to: Supro Model 24

Delivers similar tube saturation and midrange focus that helps achieve that driven garage rock sound

ReverbSweetwater
Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal$80-$120

Alternative to: Overall signal chain

Adds the fuzzy, compressed character essential to The Black Keys' garage rock sound when used with a clean or edge-of-breakup amp

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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