Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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I've been listening to and writing a ton of music that's draws heavy inspiration from the guitar tones and production choices of the 80s. It was a decade marked by shimmering chorus tones and thick compressed lead tones. Today we're diving into three essential elements of great 80s inspired guitar tones and exploring how I go about creating the sounds that are in my head. These sounds are heavily inspired by modern bands such as Night Traveler, The Strike, The Midnight and many others - as well as the iconic 80s bands like The Smiths, U2, and more.

Listening to any 80s-inspired artists or have a special trick you use to cop those magical tones? Drop a note in the comments!

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GEAR LIST
Fender 1970s Musicmaster Bass - tidd.ly/4hgFqX4
Yamaha Pacifica Standard+ - tidd.ly/3DUb6Dr
Matchless 30/15 - tidd.ly/4fT0Ect
UA Ox Box - tidd.ly/3DUbiTb
29 Pedals EUNA - tidd.ly/4gQeRbB
Vox Smooth Impact Compressor - tidd.ly/3DRPaJ3
Line6 HX One - tidd.ly/4ajZCoF
Strymon Volante - tidd.ly/3DWvNyD
Strymon BigSky MX - tidd.ly/3C4cGlD

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro Track
01:21 I love the 80s
04:13 The right guitar
06:16 The amp
08:20 Pedals
11:52 Crafting the sounds

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