Tone Profile

The synth lead has a bright, almost metallic tone with a slight chorus effect, contributing to its energetic and memorable character. It's a classic 80s synth sound that cuts through the mix with a distinct presence.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Eddie Van Halen used an Oberheim OB-Xa Synthesizer to create the main riff.
• The synth sound was run through an MXR Flanger Doubler to create a chorus/flange effect and stereo width.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a sawtooth wave on a subtractive synth, like the Oberheim OB-Xa if available, or a similar emulation.
• Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to achieve a bright and slightly resonant tone.
• Use a flanger or chorus effect to add movement and width to the sound.
• Experiment with the flanger's rate and depth to match the original's subtle modulation.
• EQ the synth to sit well in the mix, cutting any muddiness and boosting the high frequencies for clarity.

Recommended Gear

• Oberheim OB-Xa(synth)
• MXR Flanger Doubler(pedal)