Solo Tone

Open Arms (2024 Remaster)

Journey

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s/1980s, as used by Neal Schon on classic Journey ballads)

AmpFender Blackface Deluxe (heavily modified, with JBL and Altec speakers, vibrato disconnected, as described by Neal Schon for classic Journey studio tones)

PickupsHumbucker (likely stock Gibson or DiMarzio, as per era and Schon's preferences)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb4

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1981 (original), but referencing the 2024 Remaster which is a remaster of the original studio track. No evidence of live Fractal/Axe-Fx or modern digital rigs on the original studio recording. All gear and settings refer to the studio version.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainsmooth and vocal-likewarm midrangeclear note separationslightly compressedtouch-sensitivemelodic phrasingsubtle ambient delaynot overly distortedexpressive bends

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced shred techniques.

Sources

Neal Schon: The King of Melody Gets His Rig in Harmony - Fractal Audio Systems Rig Rundown - Journey's Neal Schon - Premier Guitar

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