GuitarCleanRiff
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Guitar Tone Settings
Tears for Fears · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Tokai AST (Stratocaster-style, blue headstock, as seen in official video and cited for studio recording)
Pickups
Tokai single-coil pickups (Strat-style, likely stock or period-correct Tokai single coils)
Amp
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle)
Studio recording, 1984-1985. Guitar and amp confirmed via Equipboard and video evidence. Pedalboard built by Pete Cornish for Orzabal included Boss CS-2, SD-1, CE-2, VB-2, and delay. Chorus effect is a signature part of the riff. No evidence of live rig for this part; all data refers to studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer · compression
- Boss CE-2 Chorus · chorus
Tokai AST Strat → Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer → Boss CE-2 Chorus → Roland JC-120 (chorus and reverb on)
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Tone Character
- bright and glassy
- lush chorus modulation
- clean and articulate
- tight, percussive attack
- spacious and wide stereo image
- shimmering top end
- compressed but dynamic
- distinctive 80s pop clarity
- no audible overdrive
- quacky Strat position