Riff Tone

Time Stand Still

Rush

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarSignature Guitars (with single-coil active pickups)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2x12 combo

PickupsActive single-coil pickups (Signature brand, as per Lifeson interview)

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Digital delay pedal (model unknown)

flangerUnknown Flanger pedal (model unknown)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1987 (Hold Your Fire album). Lifeson states he used his new Signature guitars with single-coil active pickups and primarily Marshalls (JCM800 2x12 combos) for this song. No evidence of Hughes & Kettner or digital modelers on the original studio recording. PRS NF3 was used live later, but not on the original recording.

Tone Character(10)

very clear, jangly bell-like soundbright and articulatechorusy shimmerclean and reverbymetallic claritynot thick or saturatedshimmering top endmodulation-richlush and spacioussignature single-coil clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated arpeggios, precise timing, and the need to maintain clarity through multiple effects. Dynamic control and clean technique are essential to achieve the signature tone.