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Riff Tone

Shake It Up

The Cars

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Lead II (left-handed, likely stock pickups)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark I (studio recording, 1981)

PickupsFender X-1 single-coil (bridge), standard single-coil (neck)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusRoland Roland Chorus Ensemble (CE-1)

flangerUnknown Flanger pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Shake It Up' (1981). Elliot Easton used a Fender Lead II for the riff, with a Mesa/Boogie amp. No evidence of Les Paul or Telecaster for this specific riff section. Effects chain was minimal, but chorus and flanger are likely based on era and audible modulation. Settings estimated based on typical Mark I usage for new wave/rock in early 80s.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchycrisp and rhythmicarticulate attackmodulation shimmerpolished and clearslightly compressedsparkly top endnot overly saturatedpresent midssubtle chorus/flanger movement

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming and precise muting to maintain clarity with modulation effects, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead work.

Sources

Elliot Easton's guide to The Cars' discography | Guitar World Panorama Review: Like "Wild Planet," it's edgy, there's darker themese than the normal... | The Cars | compact discs | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com | Ultimate Guitar The Cars Members, Gear & Sound

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Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Lead II (left-handed, likely stock pickups)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark I (studio recording, 1981)

PickupsFender X-1 single-coil (bridge), standard single-coil (neck)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusRoland Roland Chorus Ensemble (CE-1)

flangerUnknown Flanger pedal (model unknown)

Sources

Elliot Easton's guide to The Cars' discography | Guitar World Panorama Review: Like "Wild Planet," it's edgy, there's darker themese than the normal... | The Cars | compact discs | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com | Ultimate Guitar The Cars Members, Gear & Sound

Notes

Studio recording for 'Shake It Up' (1981). Elliot Easton used a Fender Lead II for the riff, with a Mesa/Boogie amp. No evidence of Les Paul or Telecaster for this specific riff section. Effects chain was minimal, but chorus and flanger are likely based on era and audible modulation. Settings estimated based on typical Mark I usage for new wave/rock in early 80s.

Tone Character(10)

tight and punchycrisp and rhythmicarticulate attackmodulation shimmerpolished and clearslightly compressedsparkly top endnot overly saturatedpresent midssubtle chorus/flanger movement

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated strumming and precise muting to maintain clarity with modulation effects, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead work.

Create Free Account

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Shake It Up by The Cars — Riff Tone Settings | ToneAdapt