Solo Tone
Don't Take Me Alive (2025 Remaster)
Steely Dan
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpFender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe
PickupsGibson 'Patent Number' humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionMXR MXR Distortion+
Notes
Studio recording, 1976 (original Royal Scam session, remaster uses same tracks). Larry Carlton confirmed using only the 5E3 Tweed Deluxe with Steely Dan. Multiple sources suggest no pedals for rhythm, but the solo likely used an MXR Distortion+ pedal. No evidence of other effects or alternate guitars for the solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth, violin-like lead tonemid-forward, vocal qualitytouch-sensitive responseslightly compressed attackwarm but articulatedynamic phrasingharmonic richnessclear note separationclassic 1970s studio overdrive
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, making it challenging for most players. Carlton's melodic improvisation and articulation demand a high level of skill.
Sources
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpFender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe
PickupsGibson 'Patent Number' humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
distortionMXR MXR Distortion+
Notes
Studio recording, 1976 (original Royal Scam session, remaster uses same tracks). Larry Carlton confirmed using only the 5E3 Tweed Deluxe with Steely Dan. Multiple sources suggest no pedals for rhythm, but the solo likely used an MXR Distortion+ pedal. No evidence of other effects or alternate guitars for the solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth, violin-like lead tonemid-forward, vocal qualitytouch-sensitive responseslightly compressed attackwarm but articulatedynamic phrasingharmonic richnessclear note separationclassic 1970s studio overdrive
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, making it challenging for most players. Carlton's melodic improvisation and articulation demand a high level of skill.
More Steely Dan tones
- Reelin' In The Years · solo
- Reelin' In The Years · riff
- Kid Charlemagne (2025 Remaster) · solo
- Bad Sneakers · riff
- Deacon Blues · riff
- Dirty Work · riff
- Do It Again · riff
- Do It Again · solo
- Don't Take Me Alive · solo
- Don't Take Me Alive · solo