What guitar did The Edge use on Sunday Bloody Sunday?

The Edge used a Fender Stratocaster for the lead guitar parts on 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.' The bridge pickup position provided the bright, cutting tone that characterizes the song's guitar sound.

How to get The Edge's tone on Sunday Bloody Sunday?

Start with a Fender Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 amp set to a clean, bright tone. Add an analog delay pedal like the Electro-Harmonix Memory Man for the signature echo effect. Keep the amp mostly clean with the guitar's bridge pickup for maximum clarity and jangle.

What amp did U2 use for Sunday Bloody Sunday?

The Edge used a Vox AC30 amplifier to record the guitar parts for 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.' The AC30's characteristic chime and clean headroom were essential to achieving the bright, articulate tone heard on the recording.

What delay pedal did The Edge use on Sunday Bloody Sunday?

The Edge used an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay unit on 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.' This analog delay provided the warm, musical repeats that became a crucial rhythmic element of the song's arrangement.

Where was Sunday Bloody Sunday recorded?

U2 recorded 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with producer Steve Lillywhite. The studio's acoustics and equipment contributed to the album's distinctive sound.

What microphone was used to record The Edge's guitar on Sunday Bloody Sunday?

A Neumann U87 microphone was used to capture The Edge's guitar amplifier during the recording of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.' This large-diaphragm condenser mic contributed to the bright, detailed character of the guitar sound.

lead guitar from "sunday bloody sunday" by u2

sunday bloody sunday

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is bright and jangly, with a chorus effect adding depth and movement. It's a clean tone that cuts through the mix with clarity and articulation.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Stratocaster(instrument)
Vox AC30(amp)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man(processing)

The Story

The Edge recorded the lead guitar for 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with producer Steve Lillywhite. The signature sound came from a Fender Stratocaster run through a Vox AC30 amp, with an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay unit providing the crucial echo effect that defines much of the track's rhythmic pulse. The recording was captured using a Neumann U87 microphone, contributing to the bright, articulate character of the guitar tone.

Production Credits

Producer: Steve Lillywhite

Engineer: Steve Lillywhite

Recorded at: Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Vox AC30Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Processing: Electro-Harmonix Memory ManShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a clean amp setting on a Vox AC30 or similar amp.
Use a Fender Stratocaster with the bridge pickup for a bright and cutting tone.
Add a chorus effect to thicken the sound and create a sense of movement.
Use a short delay with minimal feedback to add depth without washing out the notes.

Original Gear

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Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb(guitar)
Vox AC30Shop on Reverb(amp)
Electro-Harmonix Memory ManShop on Reverb(pedal)
Neumann U87Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s StratocasterShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Provides the classic Strat bridge pickup jangle and articulation needed for The Edge's clean tones at a budget-friendly price point

Vox AC15C1Shop on Reverb$650-$750

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Delivers the same chiming, bright clean tones as the AC30 but with lower wattage for home and studio use

Strymon El CapistanShop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Memory Man

Modern delay pedal that can recreate the warm, tape-like repeats of the original Memory Man with added versatility

UAD Vox AC30 PluginPlugin Boutique$200-$300

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Digital recreation of the AC30's signature chime and clean headroom perfect for recording at home

Boss DM-2W Waza Craft DelayShop on Reverb$180-$220