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Riff Tone
Take On Me (2015 Remastered Version)
a-ha
Guitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRoland G-303 Guitar Synth Controller
AmpRoland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer (used as both synth and amp interface, likely DI or through studio amp for guitar blend)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1984-1985, for the original 'Hunting High and Low' album sessions. Paul Waaktaar-Savoy confirmed use of Roland GR-300 and G-303 for riff. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars/amps for this section. 2015 Remaster is from original session tapes.
Tone Character(10)
bright and glassysynth-like clarityarticulate and preciseoctave-doubled effecttight attackminimal warmth (not mid-heavy)clean, no breakup80s pop sheenopen, ringing notesdistinct separation from synths
Difficulty
The riff is technically straightforward but requires clean, precise picking at a fast tempo to ensure the synth tracks accurately and the notes remain articulate and even.
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Create Free AccountGuitarother1980s
Original Gear
GuitarRoland G-303 Guitar Synth Controller
AmpRoland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer (used as both synth and amp interface, likely DI or through studio amp for guitar blend)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1984-1985, for the original 'Hunting High and Low' album sessions. Paul Waaktaar-Savoy confirmed use of Roland GR-300 and G-303 for riff. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars/amps for this section. 2015 Remaster is from original session tapes.
Tone Character(10)
bright and glassysynth-like clarityarticulate and preciseoctave-doubled effecttight attackminimal warmth (not mid-heavy)clean, no breakup80s pop sheenopen, ringing notesdistinct separation from synths
Difficulty
The riff is technically straightforward but requires clean, precise picking at a fast tempo to ensure the synth tracks accurately and the notes remain articulate and even.