Riff Tone
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s/early 80s, as used by Charlie Burchill in this era)
AmpCarlsbro transistor amp (model unknown, as referenced by Charlie Burchill for early Simple Minds studio work)
PickupsHumbucker (Gibson stock, likely T-Top or similar)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass6
mid6.5
treble7
reverb3
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1984-1985. Charlie Burchill stated his early Simple Minds rig was 'really simple' and used a transistor Carlsbro amp. Delay was always important to his sound. No evidence of live/touring gear for this specific recording. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and chimeymodest breakup (edge-of-clean)clear and articulatesubtle delay ambiencetight and percussive attack80s new wave shimmernot heavily compressedopen and spaciousdistinct stereo image from delayno heavy distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming and precise timing to lock in with the delay repeats, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead playing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s/early 80s, as used by Charlie Burchill in this era)
AmpCarlsbro transistor amp (model unknown, as referenced by Charlie Burchill for early Simple Minds studio work)
PickupsHumbucker (Gibson stock, likely T-Top or similar)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass6
mid6.5
treble7
reverb3
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1984-1985. Charlie Burchill stated his early Simple Minds rig was 'really simple' and used a transistor Carlsbro amp. Delay was always important to his sound. No evidence of live/touring gear for this specific recording. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and chimeymodest breakup (edge-of-clean)clear and articulatesubtle delay ambiencetight and percussive attack80s new wave shimmernot heavily compressedopen and spaciousdistinct stereo image from delayno heavy distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming and precise timing to lock in with the delay repeats, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead playing.