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Solo Tone
Open Arms (2024 Remaster)
Journey
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s/1980s, as used by Neal Schon on classic Journey ballads)
AmpFender Blackface Deluxe (heavily modified, with JBL and Altec speakers, vibrato disconnected, as described by Neal Schon for classic Journey studio tones)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1981 (original), but referencing the 2024 Remaster which is a remaster of the original studio track. No evidence of live Fractal/Axe-Fx or modern digital rigs on the original studio recording. All gear and settings refer to the studio version.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth and vocal-likewarm midrangeclear note separationslightly compressedtouch-sensitivemelodic phrasingsubtle ambient delaynot overly distortedexpressive bends
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced shred techniques.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s/1980s, as used by Neal Schon on classic Journey ballads)
AmpFender Blackface Deluxe (heavily modified, with JBL and Altec speakers, vibrato disconnected, as described by Neal Schon for classic Journey studio tones)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1981 (original), but referencing the 2024 Remaster which is a remaster of the original studio track. No evidence of live Fractal/Axe-Fx or modern digital rigs on the original studio recording. All gear and settings refer to the studio version.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth and vocal-likewarm midrangeclear note separationslightly compressedtouch-sensitivemelodic phrasingsubtle ambient delaynot overly distortedexpressive bends
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced shred techniques.