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Riff Tone

Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Tears for Fears

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarTokai AST (Stratocaster-style, blue headstock, as seen in official music video and referenced in studio context)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

PickupsTokai single-coil pickups (Strat-style, likely stock or vintage-voiced single coils)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionBoss Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer

Notes

Studio recording, 1984-1985, as used for the clean riff section on the original 'Songs from the Big Chair' album. Tokai AST confirmed in video and Equipboard; JC-120 is referenced as likely amp in Equipboard and matches the signature clean/chorused tone. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this part.

Tone Character(10)

bright and glassylush stereo chorus shimmertight and percussive attackarticulate, bell-like highsclean and sparklingcrisp note separationsubtle compression for sustainwide stereo imageno audible distortion80s new wave pop clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires accurate, syncopated picking and muting to maintain clarity and groove, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed. The challenge is in the articulation and rhythmic precision.

Sources

Roland Orzabal | Equipboard The Synth Sounds of Tears for Fears' 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarTokai AST (Stratocaster-style, blue headstock, as seen in official music video and referenced in studio context)

AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

PickupsTokai single-coil pickups (Strat-style, likely stock or vintage-voiced single coils)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionBoss Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer

Sources

Roland Orzabal | Equipboard The Synth Sounds of Tears for Fears' 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

Notes

Studio recording, 1984-1985, as used for the clean riff section on the original 'Songs from the Big Chair' album. Tokai AST confirmed in video and Equipboard; JC-120 is referenced as likely amp in Equipboard and matches the signature clean/chorused tone. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this part.

Tone Character(10)

bright and glassylush stereo chorus shimmertight and percussive attackarticulate, bell-like highsclean and sparklingcrisp note separationsubtle compression for sustainwide stereo imageno audible distortion80s new wave pop clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires accurate, syncopated picking and muting to maintain clarity and groove, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed. The challenge is in the articulation and rhythmic precision.

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Everybody Wants to Rule the World settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt