What guitar did The Edge use on Vertigo?

The Edge used a Gretsch guitar for the lead parts on 'Vertigo.' Gretsch guitars are a cornerstone of his signature sound, providing the bright, chimey tone that cuts through U2's mix.

What amp did U2 use to record Vertigo?

The Edge used his signature Vox AC30 amplifier for 'Vertigo.' The AC30's naturally bright and chimey character provides the perfect foundation for his effects-heavy approach to guitar.

What effects did The Edge use on Vertigo?

The Edge used Line 6 DM4 for distortion and Line 6 DL4 for delay effects on 'Vertigo.' The delay was set to around 300-400ms with moderate feedback to create the rhythmic texture that drives the song.

How to get The Edge's Vertigo guitar tone?

Start with a semi-hollow guitar through a slightly overdriven Vox AC30 or similar chimey amp. Add moderate distortion and a rhythmic delay set to 300-400ms with moderate feedback for the driving, anthemic sound.

lead guitar from "vertigo" by u2

vertigo

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A distorted, slightly compressed guitar sound with a touch of chorus and delay. It's designed to be energetic and driving, fitting the song's anthemic rock style.

Shop This Rig

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Gretsch(instrument)
Vox AC30(amp)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Line 6 DM4(processing)
Line 6 DL4(processing)

The Story

The Edge's lead tone on 'Vertigo' was crafted using his signature Gretsch guitar through a Vox AC30 amp, recorded with a Neumann U87 microphone. The signal chain included Line 6 DM4 for distortion and DL4 for delay effects, creating the driving, anthemic sound. The track was produced by Steve Lillywhite and engineered by Greg Collins at Hanover Quay in Dublin.

Production Credits

Producer: Steve Lillywhite

Engineer: Greg Collins

Recorded at: Hanover Quay, Dublin

Signal Chain

Instrument: GretschShop on Reverb

Amp: Vox AC30Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Processing: Line 6 DM4Shop on Reverb, Line 6 DL4Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Gretsch guitar or similar semi-hollow body. Use the bridge pickup for a brighter tone.
Set the Vox AC30 to a slightly overdriven setting, or use a similar amp known for chimey tones.
Use the Line 6 DM4 to add distortion with moderate gain and a slight mid boost.
Employ the Line 6 DL4 for a rhythmic delay effect. Experiment with delay times around 300-400ms and moderate feedback to create the desired rhythmic texture.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select Edition '59 Chet Atkins Hollow BodyShop on Reverb$2,800-$3,200

Alternative to: Gretsch guitar

Provides the same semi-hollow body chime and brightness that defines The Edge's signature tone on Vertigo

Epiphone WildkatShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Gretsch guitar

Budget-friendly semi-hollow option that delivers similar jangly tones with P90-style pickups

Vox AC30C2XShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,400

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Current production version of the classic AC30 that provides the chimey, slightly overdriven foundation tone

Boss DS-1 DistortionShop on Reverb$50-$70

Alternative to: Line 6 DM4

Affordable distortion pedal that can provide the moderate gain and mid boost needed for this driving tone

Strymon TimelineShop on Reverb$450-$500

Alternative to: Line 6 DL4

Premium delay pedal capable of recreating the rhythmic 300-400ms delay patterns essential to The Edge's sound

Universal Audio Galaxy Tape Echo PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Line 6 DL4

Software recreation of vintage tape delays that can achieve the rhythmic delay textures heard on Vertigo

Sources

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lead guitar from “vertigo” by u2 | ToneDB