Solo Tone

Hold the Line

Toto

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1970s Gibson Les Paul Custom

AmpMarshall Super Lead (Plexi, likely modded for more gain)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or similar, passive)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6.5

mid7.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown, possibly MXR Distortion+ or similar)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, slapback/short delay clearly audible)

Notes

Studio recording, 1978. Lukather has confirmed in interviews and forums that he used a Les Paul Custom into a Marshall amp for the 'Hold the Line' solo. Some sources mention a Keeley-modded Boss Super Overdrive for boost, but this is a modern recreation; original session likely used amp gain and possibly an overdrive pedal. Delay/reverb added in mix or via rack/console, but a short slapback delay is clearly audible in the solo.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainmidrange-focusedsmooth, saturated overdrivetight, percussive attackbright and articulateclear note separationslight slapback delayaggressive pick attackstrong presencestudio-polished lead tone

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced technique including fast picking, expressive bends, and precise timing, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

4 guitar tricks you can learn from Steve Lukather | MusicRadar Toto - Hold The Line Solo : r/guitars - Reddit Early Steve Lukather/Toto gear discussion Hold The Line - Toto : which pickup should I choose for Solo - Reddit

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