Riff Tone

Bad

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (1983-84, likely with stock single-coil pickups, used by The Edge on The Unforgettable Fire sessions)

AmpVox AC30 (Top Boost, 1964 model, studio recording)

PickupsFender single-coil (stock 1980s Stratocaster)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayKorg Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay

chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus (or similar modulated delay/chorus effect)

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. The Edge is known for using his 1983-84 Fender Stratocaster into a Vox AC30 for 'Bad' on The Unforgettable Fire. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section in the studio. Live rigs may differ.

Tone Character(10)

chiming and glassybright and articulatespacious and ambientcrystal-clear delay repeatsmodulated shimmerdynamic and touch-sensitiveminimal breakuplush stereo imagedistinct rhythmic echoesclean with subtle warmth

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to the need for exact rhythmic placement with the delay, clean articulation, and muting to keep the ambient repeats clear and uncluttered.

Sources

Edge's Guitar Tone : r/U2Band Best delay pedals 2026: our pick of the coolest spacey pedals for your pedalboard | Guitar World

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