Riff Tone

The Boys of Summer

Don Henley

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, used by Mike Campbell on the original recording)

AmpFender Tube Amp (likely Fender Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb, as per Mike Campbell's typical studio choices of the era)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock Stratocaster configuration)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. Mike Campbell played all guitar parts on the original Don Henley recording. Guitar tuned down 1/2 step (Eb standard). No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the riff section. No evidence of amp model variation for riff vs. solo. Effects and amp choices are based on Campbell's studio rig and audible effects in the recording.

Tone Character(10)

bright and chimeyslightly overdriven edge-of-breakupdistinct chorus shimmertight and percussive attackclear note separationmodulated, lush texture80s pop/rock polishnot high-gain, not fully cleanarticulate Stratocaster 'quack'studio-processed, smooth sustain

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level picking accuracy, tight muting, and precise timing to lock in with the chorus effect and maintain clarity in Eb tuning.

Sources

The Boys Of Summer | Don Henley | Guitar Lesson - YouTube Chris Holt landed The Eagles without an audition | Guitar World THE BOYS OF SUMMER TAB by Don Henley @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com Mike Campbell on writing The Boys of Summer with Don Henley | Guitar World

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account