Solo Tone

When Doves Cry

Prince & The Revolution

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarPrince custom Hohner Madcat Telecaster

AmpPeavey Classic (exact model not confirmed, but Peavey Classic series is most cited for this era/recording)

PickupsSingle-coil (Telecaster-style, likely stock Hohner)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

otherBoss Boss OC-2 Octave

delayBoss Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. Prince played all guitar parts on the original studio track. Gear details are based on studio-era sources and analysis of the solo section specifically.

Tone Character(10)

heavily distorted and saturatedscooped mids for 80s metal shred characterbright and cutting bridge pickup attackbrittle, synth-like lead soundoctave-down effect for unique timbretight and percussiveminimal reverb, dry and upfrontsinging sustainarticulate note definitionaggressive pick attack

Difficulty

The solo demands advanced technique due to its speed, phrasing, and the need to control multiple effects for the signature sound. The phrasing and rhythmic complexity, combined with the synth-like octave effect, make it challenging for most players.

Sources

Prince Amp Settings - Nail His Signature Guitar Tone!What effects pedal settings did Prince? | Guitarcloud - Prince Equipment Archive When Doves Cry | Telecaster Guitar Forum Prince and Octave pedal on rhythm parts, am I hearing it correctly?

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