Solo Tone

The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)

Greg Kihn Band

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (exact year/model unknown, but period-correct for early 1980s studio recording)

AmpFender Twin Reverb (likely silverface or blackface, era-appropriate for early 1980s studio recording)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock Stratocaster configuration, likely vintage-style)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1981. No direct evidence for exact guitar/amp, but period interviews and genre context strongly suggest Stratocaster into a Fender Twin Reverb. No evidence of pedal use for the solo; tone is classic, bright, and slightly overdriven, consistent with a cranked Fender amp and single-coil bridge pickup.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulateslightly overdrivencutting solo presenceclear note separationmodest sustaintight and focused midrangeamp-driven breakupbridge pickup clarityno audible modulationclassic early 80s power-pop sound

Difficulty

The solo requires clean, articulate single-note playing with some bends and vibrato, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast runs. Suitable for intermediate players.

Sources

Interview: Greg Kihn Discusses New Music, Book and Tour Plans Greg Kihn - The Breakup Song

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account