Song Rigs
Alex Lifeson — Gear by Song
How Alex Lifeson's rig changed track to track — specific amp settings, key gear, and what you need to replicate each tone.
Limelight
Moving Pictures · 1981
The most celebrated Alex Lifeson solo — a perfectly constructed melodic statement through a cranked Marshall. The clean …
Gibson ES-335 (clean intro arpeggios)Fender Stratocaster (main riff and solo)
See full rig →Tom Sawyer
Moving Pictures · 1981
Rush's signature hard rock tone — dense and layered through multiple Marshall passes in the studio. Lifeson's tone is th…
Fender Stratocaster (bridge or bridge-middle)Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W
See full rig →The Spirit of Radio
Permanent Waves · 1980
Lifeson's most versatile performance in one track — clean acoustic-style intro, heavy rhythm crunch, melodic leads, and …
Gibson Les Paul (intro rhythm)Fender Stratocaster (leads and solo)
See full rig →