Solo Tone

The Analog Kid

Rush

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (early 1980s, likely 1977 model, maple neck, stock pickups)

AmpMarshall JCM800 100W head (studio recording, Signals album, 1982)

PickupsFender single-coil (stock Strat pickups, late 70s/early 80s)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Signals' (1982). Alex Lifeson switched to a Stratocaster for much of the album to cut through the synths, as confirmed by interviews and isolated track analysis. The JCM800 was his main amp for this era. No direct evidence of pedals for the solo, but effects are clearly audible in the recording.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatecrunchy with clear attacksinging sustainslight modulation swirltight and focused midrangedynamic and expressiveslightly compressedclear note separationhint of delay/reverb ambiencenot overly saturated

Difficulty

The solo features fast, intricate runs, advanced phrasing, and requires precise articulation and dynamic control, making it challenging for most guitarists.

Sources

Fixed* For the first time you can now hear Alex's isolated guitar solos ...What Rush tune has your fave Alex solo--Necromancer, Limelight ...Best guitar solo? : r/rush - Reddit

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