Solo Tone

Shake It Up

The Cars

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Junior (likely vintage, single P-90 pickup)

AmpAmpeg V-4

PickupsGibson P-90 single coil

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

wahUnknown Wah pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1981; Elliot Easton used a Les Paul Junior for the solo, confirmed by forum and gear sources. Ampeg V-4 amp is cited as used on the 'Shake It Up' album. Pedals used include delay and wah. No evidence of live rig or other guitars for the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainbright and articulatecrisp attackpunchy midrangeclassic rock crunchtight note separationslightly compresseddynamic pick responsearticulate bendsbiting upper mids

Difficulty

The solo requires fast, articulate picking, accurate bends, and expressive wah pedal control, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Elliot Easton breaks down Cars solos and talks gear Shake It Up - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Examples of Les Paul v Stratocaster contrasting tones

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