Solo Tone

Pretending

Eric Clapton

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarEric Clapton Signature Fender Stratocaster (mid-80s, Lace Sensor Gold pickups, mid-boost circuit)

AmpSoldano SLO-100 Super Lead Overdrive Head into Music Man 412-GS Cabinet

PickupsFender Lace Sensor Gold single coils with active mid-boost circuit

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic Wah Wah

Notes

Studio recording, 1988-1989 (Journeyman album sessions). Clapton used his signature Strat with active mid-boost and a Soldano SLO-100 for the heavy solo tones on 'Pretending'.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaincreamy and fluid lead toneaggressive midrange emphasistight, focused attackrich harmonic overtonescompressed and saturateddistinct wah sweepmodern blues-rock solo soundarticulate note separationdynamic response to picking

Difficulty

The solo demands advanced wah pedal technique, fluid legato runs, and expressive blues phrasing with precise bends and vibrato, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Eric Clapton's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard 1990 SNL soundcheck : Clapton SLO - The Gear Page Clapton's tone on 'Pretending' - The Gear Page

This tone has been researched 6 times by the community

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