Riff Tone

One

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (early 1970s, sunburst, stock humbuckers)

Amp1990s Vox AC30 (Top Boost, Silver Bulldog speakers)

PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Memory Man (early 90s version)

compressionBoss Compressor pedal (model unknown, likely Boss CS-2 or CS-3)

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and period-correct photos. The Edge used his Les Paul Standard for the main riff. Vox AC30 is the primary amp for the riff section on the original studio recording of 'One'.

Tone Character(10)

chiming and harmonically richclear, bell-like attackambient, rhythmic delay repeatsopen, airy high endtight, percussive strumminglush, spatial depth from delayslightly compressed dynamicsarticulate note separationwarm midrange presencenotably ambient and atmospheric

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level timing to sync with the delay repeats and clean, controlled strumming, but does not involve complex chord shapes or advanced techniques.

Sources

The Edge's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Electric Etudes: U2’s The Edge - Premier Guitar 5 ways to play like The Edge | MusicRadar

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