Riff Tone

Xanadu (Remastered 2013)

Rush

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-355

AmpHiwatt DR103 100-watt head into Hiwatt 4x12 cabinet

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock ES-355 configuration, likely 1976-77 era)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

flangerElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress

chorusBoss Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1977 (A Farewell to Kings sessions). Lifeson used the ES-355 for the clean, chorus/flanger-laden intro/riff sections. Hiwatt DR103 is confirmed as his main clean amp for this era. No evidence of Marshall or Mesa/Boogie for the clean intro/riff. Effects are from pedals, not amp. Pickup selector likely in neck or middle position for warmth and clarity.

Tone Character(10)

lush and spaciousbright and articulatewarm and smoothmodulated (chorus/flanger) shimmerclear note separationslightly compressedambient with subtle delayfull-bodiednot harsh or piercingdynamic and touch-sensitive

Difficulty

The clean riff in 'Xanadu' is challenging due to its intricate chord shapes, odd meter, and the need for precise, clean playing with modulation effects. Maintaining clarity and articulation while switching between effects and complex voicings raises the difficulty.