Solo Tone
It May Be a Fire
The Moody Blues
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335 (1963 red)
AmpVox AC30 Top Boost (modified, late 60s/early 70s cabinet, 64 Top Boost circuit)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (original 1963 spec)
Amp Settings
gain4.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb4.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1986. Guitar and amp confirmed as Hayward's main studio rig for this era. No explicit evidence of pedals for this solo, but stereo delay effect is audible. Pickup and amp model inferred from era and interviews. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo.
Tone Character(9)
singing sustainsmooth, vocal-like lead tonewarm midrange focusclear note separationslight breakup on attackstereo image with short delaynot overly compressedopen, dynamic responsetouch-sensitive articulation
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate-level phrasing and dynamic control, with expressive bends and vibrato to achieve the singing, vocal-like tone. While not technically fast, the feel and sustain demand good touch and control.
Sources
On the road - The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward: 'Take the volume of the amps right down and start low. Starting loud in a soundcheck is a disaster' | MusicRadarThe Moody Blues' John Lodge and Justin Hayward Are | Reverb NewsHow to get Moody Blues electric guitar/amp tone - The Gear Pagemoody blues guitar tone? - Instruments & Effects - Cakewalk DiscussIt May Be A Fire - YouTube
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335 (1963 red)
AmpVox AC30 Top Boost (modified, late 60s/early 70s cabinet, 64 Top Boost circuit)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (original 1963 spec)
Amp Settings
gain4.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb4.5
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Sources
On the road - The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward: 'Take the volume of the amps right down and start low. Starting loud in a soundcheck is a disaster' | MusicRadarThe Moody Blues' John Lodge and Justin Hayward Are | Reverb NewsHow to get Moody Blues electric guitar/amp tone - The Gear Pagemoody blues guitar tone? - Instruments & Effects - Cakewalk DiscussIt May Be A Fire - YouTube
Notes
Studio recording, 1986. Guitar and amp confirmed as Hayward's main studio rig for this era. No explicit evidence of pedals for this solo, but stereo delay effect is audible. Pickup and amp model inferred from era and interviews. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo.
Tone Character(9)
singing sustainsmooth, vocal-like lead tonewarm midrange focusclear note separationslight breakup on attackstereo image with short delaynot overly compressedopen, dynamic responsetouch-sensitive articulation
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate-level phrasing and dynamic control, with expressive bends and vibrato to achieve the singing, vocal-like tone. While not technically fast, the feel and sustain demand good touch and control.