Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is a heavily distorted and harmonically rich sound, notable for its sustain and clarity, characteristic of Eddie Van Halen's innovative playing and gear. It's a high-gain, articulate sound with a bright edge.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The guitar was heavily modified by Eddie Van Halen, featuring a humbucker pickup believed to be a Gibson PAF.
• The amp was likely pushed to its limits to achieve the high-gain distortion.
• The Echoplex was used both for delay and as a preamp to further shape the tone.
• Multiple sources mention the use of a Variac to lower the voltage going to the amp.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a guitar equipped with a humbucker pickup.
• Use a high-gain Marshall-style amplifier, or an amp simulator that accurately models one.
• Add a phaser pedal for subtle modulation and an Echoplex-style delay for depth.
• Experiment with the amp's EQ settings to achieve the desired brightness and clarity.

Recommended Gear

• Frankenstrat (Replica)(guitar)
• Marshall 1959 Super Lead(amp)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• MXR Phase 90(pedal)
• Echoplex EP-3(pedal)