Solo Tone
Who's Crying Now
Journey
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1977 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe (black, Floyd Rose, active electronics, yellow Ferrari sticker, serial 06 115596)
AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely JMP or JCM800 era head used in studio for Escape album)
PickupsGibson P-90 single coils (stock for Pro Deluxe, but may have been swapped for humbuckers or active pickups; most sources indicate P-90s or custom active electronics for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1981, album 'Escape'. Guitar heavily modified with Floyd Rose and active electronics. Amp is Marshall, typical for Schon's 1981 studio sound. Settings and effects are for the solo section of 'Who's Crying Now'.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainmelodic and expressivesmooth, vocal-like phrasingrich harmonicsmoderate compressionarticulate attackchorus and delay ambiencebridge pickup clarityclassic 1980s rock leadwarm yet cutting
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced melodic phrasing, fast runs, and expressive bending/vibrato, all while maintaining clarity and timing with prominent delay and chorus effects.
Sources
Neal Schon's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | EquipboardWith an anthemic, ultra-melodic approach, Neal Schon helped define the sound of ‘80s rock – upgrade your chops with a deep-dive into the Journey virtuoso’s legendary rhythm and lead styles | Guitar WorldJourney – Escape (2022 Remaster) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard
This tone has been researched 8 times by the community
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1977 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe (black, Floyd Rose, active electronics, yellow Ferrari sticker, serial 06 115596)
AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely JMP or JCM800 era head used in studio for Escape album)
PickupsGibson P-90 single coils (stock for Pro Deluxe, but may have been swapped for humbuckers or active pickups; most sources indicate P-90s or custom active electronics for this era)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Sources
Neal Schon's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | EquipboardWith an anthemic, ultra-melodic approach, Neal Schon helped define the sound of ‘80s rock – upgrade your chops with a deep-dive into the Journey virtuoso’s legendary rhythm and lead styles | Guitar WorldJourney – Escape (2022 Remaster) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard
This tone has been researched 8 times by the community
Notes
Studio recording, 1981, album 'Escape'. Guitar heavily modified with Floyd Rose and active electronics. Amp is Marshall, typical for Schon's 1981 studio sound. Settings and effects are for the solo section of 'Who's Crying Now'.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainmelodic and expressivesmooth, vocal-like phrasingrich harmonicsmoderate compressionarticulate attackchorus and delay ambiencebridge pickup clarityclassic 1980s rock leadwarm yet cutting
Difficulty
The solo requires advanced melodic phrasing, fast runs, and expressive bending/vibrato, all while maintaining clarity and timing with prominent delay and chorus effects.
Who's Crying Now settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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