Riff Tone

Don't Stop Believin' (2024 Remaster)

Journey

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1977 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe (modified with Floyd Rose tremolo and active electronics)

AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely JMP or JCM800 era head, used in studio for Escape album)

PickupsGibson P90 single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1981 (Escape album, original session gear). Guitar was Neal Schon's main instrument for the album, confirmed for 'Don't Stop Believin'' riff. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; amp provided primary drive. 2024 Remaster uses original recording.

Tone Character(10)

powerful and melodicwarm and full-bodiedBritish crunchtight and articulate attacksinging sustainclear note separationmoderate amp gainclassic rock anthemicslightly compressedexpressive dynamics

Difficulty

The riff requires tight rhythm playing, palm muting, and dynamic control to capture the classic sound, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Neal Schon's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Journey Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard What amp did Neal Schon use on Don't Stop Believin'?

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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