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rhythm guitar from “refugee” by tom petty | ToneDB

refugee

tom petty

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A punchy, articulate, and slightly gritty rhythm guitar tone with a classic American rock edge, forming the driving backbone of the track.

Signal Chain

Instrument: 1959 Fender Broadcaster (or vintage-style Fender Telecaster, bridge pickup)

Amp: Fender Harvard Amplifier (cranked for slight breakup)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Studio EQ (subtle shaping), Studio Compression (light, during mixing)

Other: This describes Mike Campbell's primary 6-string rhythm part. Tom Petty's Rickenbacker 12-string (often through a Vox AC30) is a crucial layered counterpoint, adding the signature jangle; consider this essential for the full 'Refugee' rhythm texture. The part is likely double-tracked.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded for the album 'Damn the Torpedoes' (1979).
  • Co-produced by Jimmy Iovine and Tom Petty.
  • Mike Campbell has stated he used his 1959 Fender Broadcaster into a Fender Harvard amp for the main rhythm riff and chords on 'Refugee'.
  • Tom Petty typically layered his Rickenbacker 12-string parts, contributing significantly to the overall jangle and texture.
  • The recording likely took place at Sound City Studios or Cherokee Studios, known for their excellent rock drum and guitar sounds.
  • The production aimed for a powerful, live-band feel with meticulous overdubs.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Telecaster-style guitar, focusing on the bridge pickup for bite, or the bridge/middle combination for a slightly fuller sound.
  • A small, vintage-voiced Fender tweed-style amplifier (like a Harvard, Champ, or Princeton) pushed into natural overdrive is key. Aim for breakup that's responsive to picking dynamics.
  • If a vintage Fender tweed isn't available, a Fender Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb with the volume pushed and treble boosted can approximate the character. Amp modelers with good Fender tweed simulations are also effective.
  • Keep direct effects minimal on this core tone; the interaction between the guitar and a cranked small amp is paramount.
  • A firm, consistent picking attack with downstrokes will help achieve the driving feel of the original part.
  • For the full 'Refugee' rhythm texture, layer this core Telecaster/Harvard sound with a Rickenbacker 12-string (or a good 12-string emulation) playing complementary chord voicings or arpeggios, typically through a Vox AC30-style amp (clean to slightly gritty).
  • Consider double-tracking the main Telecaster part and panning slightly for width and thickness.

Sources