Riff Tone

If I Could Turn Back Time

Cher

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarValley Arts Custom Pro (Steve Lukather session guitar, likely HSS or HH configuration)

AmpMarshall JCM 800 (studio recording, 1988-89 era, typical for Lukather's session work)

PickupsActive EMG pickups (likely EMG 81/SA/SA or EMG 85/SA/SA, as per Lukather's typical late 80s session setup)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid6

treble7

reverb4.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for Cher's 'If I Could Turn Back Time' (1989). Session guitarist Steve Lukather played the riff. Gear inferred from Lukather's known session rig for this era and genre. No direct photo or session sheet, but consistent with his 1988-89 studio work. Effects are a blend of pedal and studio rack, but only guitar chain effects included.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatetight and percussivepolished studio sheensubtle shimmer from delay/reverbedge-of-breakup overdriveclear chord definitionslightly compressed attackroomy and spaciousnot overly saturatedmodern 80s pop/rock clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, tight strumming with palm muting and open chords, and good control of dynamics to avoid muddiness with the effects. Not technically difficult, but requires precision and timing.

Sources

If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher – Old town crier Was hoping someone could help me with a guitar tone.

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