Solo Tone

Always

Bon Jovi

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely early 1990s, as used by Richie Sambora in studio for 'Always' solo)

AmpMarshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead

PickupsSeymour Duncan Hot Rails (bridge position, humbucker-sized single coil replacement)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

reverbUnknown Reverb pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1994. Richie Sambora is known to have used a Stratocaster with a Hot Rails pickup for the 'Always' solo, running into a Marshall JCM2000 DSL head. Mesa/Boogie Rectifier was also used in the era, but the Marshall is most consistently cited for solos. No evidence of live/tour gear being used in the studio for this track.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainsmooth and liquid lead tonerich harmonic overtonespronounced delay repeatslush reverb tailarticulate and clear note separationslightly compressed attackwarm yet bright upper midshigh output bridge pickup bitefull-bodied with controlled bass

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of vibrato, expressive bends, and legato phrasing, as well as precise timing to match delay repeats and sustain, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Richie Sambora's Guitar Gear - Equipboard Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X on what he doesn't like about ... - MusicRadar BonJovi Sound - forum topic - Ultimate Guitar

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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