Solo Tone

Don't Stop Believin' (2024 Remaster)

Journey

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard

AmpMarshall JCM800

PickupsHumbucker (likely Gibson stock or Seymour Duncan, exact model not specified for this recording)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar mid-hump overdrive)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely analog or early digital)

Notes

Settings and gear are based on studio recording context for the original track, which the 2024 Remaster is sourced from. Neal Schon is known to have used a Gibson Les Paul Standard into a Marshall JCM800 for the solo, with pedals for overdrive and delay. Some sources mention live rig variations, but this is focused on the studio version. Year: 1981 (original recording), remastered in 2024.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaincreamy lead toneexpressive midrangewarm, singing lead toneretains clarityrich sustainthick tonepunchy midrangesmooth overdrivetop-end sheen

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of bends, vibrato, and sustain, as well as fast melodic runs and expressive phrasing, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Amp Settings for Don't Stop Believin' by Journey (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk "Don't Stop Believin'" (v2) ~ Journey | Fractal FM3 / FM9 / Axe-FX III Preset

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