Tone Profile

A bright, jangly, and clean electric guitar tone, prominently featuring a shimmering chorus effect that defines its uplifting and iconic melodic character.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Recorded for the album "Wish" released in 1992, at The Manor Studio, Oxfordshire.
• Produced by David M. Allen and The Cure.
• The song features multiple layered guitar parts; this lead melody is particularly clean, bright, and distinct.
• The overall production of "Wish" aimed for a more polished and accessible sound compared to some of The Cure's earlier work.

Recreation Tips

• Use a guitar with bright single-coil pickups, such as a Fender Jazzmaster or Stratocaster. Select the bridge or bridge/middle pickup position.
• Set your amplifier to a very clean tone with plenty of headroom; avoid any overdrive or distortion.
• The chorus effect is crucial. If using a Roland JC-120, its built-in stereo chorus is ideal. Otherwise, use a high-quality chorus pedal (e.g., Boss CE-2W) with a moderate rate and depth to achieve a shimmering, not overly detuned, sound.
• Add a subtle touch of plate or hall reverb to give the sound space without washing it out.
• Focus on clean, precise picking for the melodic line, letting the notes ring out clearly.
• A light touch of compression can help even out the dynamics and add sustain, but keep it subtle.

Recommended Gear

• Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster(guitar)
• Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus(amp)
• Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• Keeley Compressor Plus(pedal)
• TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb(pedal)