TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “pride (in the name of love)” by u2 | ToneDB

pride (in the name of love)

u2

rhythm guitar

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, chiming, and percussive rhythm guitar tone defined by a prominent dotted eighth note delay, creating a signature cascading rhythmic effect. The sound is mostly clean with a slight edge, emphasizing clarity and attack.

Signal Chain

Instrument: 1973 Fender Stratocaster (Black, maple neck)

Amp: 1964 Vox AC30 Top Boost

Microphone: Shure SM57 and/or Sennheiser MD421

Processing: Electro-Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe (primary delay, set to dotted eighth note, approx. 425ms), Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay (often for preamp boost and/or secondary delay textures), MXR Dyna Comp (subtle compression, optional)

Other: Herdim Blue Nylon Pick (0.88mm, used sideways with the dimpled grip hitting the strings for a percussive 'chime'). The AC30 is set fairly clean but pushed to the edge of breakup. Delays are crucial and often run in series.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Slane Castle and Windmill Lane Studios for the album 'The Unforgettable Fire'.
  • Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
  • The signature delay is a dotted eighth note timed to the song's tempo (approx. 106 BPM).
  • The Edge's rig typically included multiple delay units, allowing for complex, layered textures.
  • The bright, slightly overdriven clean tone of the Vox AC30 is a cornerstone of the sound.
  • The unique picking technique with Herdim picks contributes significantly to the attack and chime.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Stratocaster-style guitar with single-coil pickups, bridge or bridge/middle position.
  • A Vox AC30 or a similar EL84-based amplifier is essential. Set it for a bright clean tone with just a hint of breakup (Top Boost channel if available).
  • The most critical effect is an analog or high-quality digital delay pedal set to a dotted eighth note. For 'Pride' at ~106 BPM, this is approximately 425ms.
  • Set the delay mix fairly high so the repeats are almost as loud as the original signal, with 2-4 repeats clearly audible.
  • Experiment with using a textured pick (like a Herdim) held sideways so the textured grip strikes the strings. This adds a percussive, scraping quality.
  • A subtle compressor (like an MXR Dyna Comp) can help even out the dynamics and add sustain before the delay.
  • Consider a second delay for ambience, perhaps a shorter slapback or a longer, more subtle delay.
  • Keep amp gain low; the 'drive' comes from the amp being pushed and interacting with the delays and pick attack.

Sources