Song Rig
E
Adrian Belew · Mr. Music Head · 1989
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Textural and electric-painterly — Belew uses every processing tool available to turn a guitar into an orchestral palette. Backwards-sounding attacks, multi-layered effects and his signature animal-call whammy work create a sound that barely resembles a guitar.
Signal Chain
- 1Parker Fly or custom guitar (tremolo and MIDI pickup)
- 2Roland GR-300 guitar synth
- 3Boss digital effects chain
- 4Rockman or similar studio processor
Amp Settings
The amp settings matter less than the synth and effects processing — Belew runs parallel signal chains, blending raw guitar with synthesised tones for the layered Mr. Music Head aesthetic.
Technique
How to Play It
Whammy bar diving combined with pickup switching mid-note — Belew creates animal and machine sounds through aggressive tremolo use, not samples or synthesis alone.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Guitar with a quality floating tremolo (Parker Fly, Strat with Floyd Rose) → Roland GR-55 guitar synth → Boss GT-1000 for layered effects. Budget: any whammy-equipped guitar → Digitech Whammy → multi-effects.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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