Riff Tone

Xanadu (Remastered 2013)

Rush

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-355

AmpHiwatt DR103 (likely studio amp for 'Xanadu' 1977 recording)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely original ES-355 PAF-style)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

flangerElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1977. Lifeson used a Gibson ES-355 into a Hiwatt DR103 for the main riff section of 'Xanadu'. Pedals included Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger and likely a delay. Settings are based on period-correct gear and multiple sources. Not to be confused with later live rigs (Marshall, Hughes & Kettner).

Tone Character(10)

thick and articulatecrunchy with moderate saturationbright and presentstrong midrange for mix cutbalanced low endlush modulationwarm sustaindynamic responsesubtle room ambiancecomplex chord voicings remain clear

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced chord shapes, tight rhythmic precision in odd time signatures, and careful control of effects for clarity and articulation.

Sources

Rush (Alex Lifeson) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk Alex Lifeson's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps - Equipboard Why Geddy Lee switched from Rickenbacker to Jazz Bass | Guitar World

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