TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “start me up” by the rolling stones | ToneDB

start me up

the rolling stones

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, punchy, and iconic rock rhythm guitar tone with a percussive attack, characteristic Telecaster spank, and the edge-of-breakup grit from a pushed Fender tube amp in Open G tuning.

Signal Chain

Instrument: 1950s Fender Telecaster (e.g., "Micawber")

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 60s/early 70s model)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Amp Spring Reverb (subtle)

Other: Open G tuning (G-D-G-B-D, low E string removed). Bridge pickup selected. Amp volume pushed to achieve natural tube overdrive and breakup, especially with harder pick attack. Recorded in a well-treated studio room.

Recording Notes

  • The foundational guitar riff and basic track were recorded in 1977-1978 at Pathé Marconi Studios in Paris during the sessions for the 'Some Girls' album, with the working title 'Never Stop'.
  • The track was later revisited, with vocals and overdubs added in 1981 at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas, and Electric Lady Studios, New York, for the 'Tattoo You' album.
  • Engineered by Chris Kimsey, who often favored straightforward miking techniques for guitars.
  • Keith Richards' distinctive playing style in Open G tuning is central to the sound, providing the song's signature riff.
  • The amp was likely cranked to achieve the desired level of natural overdrive without excessive saturation, allowing the Telecaster's character to shine through.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Telecaster-style guitar, selecting the bridge pickup for maximum brightness and twang.
  • Tune your guitar to Open G: G (low), D, G, B, D (high). For authenticity, remove the 6th (low E) string.
  • Employ a Fender Twin Reverb or a similar Fender tube amp known for its clean headroom and ability to break up musically when pushed. A Fender Deluxe Reverb can also work if driven harder.
  • Set the amp for an 'edge-of-breakup' tone: clean when played softly, but crunches when you dig in. Try Volume: 5-7, Treble: 6-7, Middle: 4-5, Bass: 3-4, Reverb: 2-3.
  • Focus on a strong, rhythmic, and slightly staccato picking attack. Use your fretting hand to mute strings between chords to get that percussive 'chucking' sound.
  • Avoid heavy distortion pedals; the grit should primarily come from the overworked tubes of the amplifier.
  • Experiment with mic placement if miking an amp: an SM57 slightly off-center of the speaker cone is a classic starting point.

Sources