Solo Tone

Let's Dance

David Bowie

Guitarblues1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (early 1960s, likely stock, used by Stevie Ray Vaughan)

AmpFender Vibroverb (blackface, 1964, studio recording); possible use of Dumble Overdrive Special (per some sources, but not confirmed for this track)

PickupsFender single-coil (neck position, vintage spec)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb3

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Gear confirmed for the solo: SRV's Stratocaster (neck pickup), likely through a Fender Vibroverb or similar blackface Fender amp. Some sources mention Dumble-style tones, but primary evidence supports Fender amp. Tube Screamer overdrive is likely, as it is a signature of SRV and matches the solo's tone. Delay and reverb are clearly audible in the solo. Settings are estimated based on era, genre, and available amp/pedal info.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smooth neck pickupsinging sustaintouch-sensitive dynamicsedge-of-breakup cruncharticulate single-note clarityslightly compressed attackclear delay repeatsroom/plate reverb ambiencedynamic pick attackclassic blues-rock solo sound

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced blues phrasing, fast runs, expressive bends, and precise timing to match the rhythmic feel and delay repeats, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

"Let's Dance" ~ David Bowie | Fractal FM3 / FM9 / Axe-FX III Preset Guitar & Amp Setup For SRV 1983 Solo "Let's Dance" David Bowie @EricBlackmonGuitar David Bowie Let`s Dance delay- | Fractal Audio Systems Forum

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account