Song Rig

Subdivisions

Alex Lifeson · Signals · 1982

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Lifeson's most synth-adjacent guitar tone — during Rush's early-80s synth era, his guitar shifts to a clean, chorus-heavy Roland JC-120 sound that complements the keyboard-dominant arrangements. The guitar is almost orchestral, functioning as texture and support rather than the dominant lead voice.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (bridge-middle position)
2Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (clean channel)
3Roland Dimension D Chorus (stereo)
4TC Electronic parametric EQ

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume2

Bass6

Mid6

Treble7

Presence5

The JC-120 clean channel — no distortion from the amp at all. The built-in JC-120 chorus plus an external Dimension D creates the wide, shimmering stereo spread. Lifeson controlled dynamics through picking attack and guitar volume.

Technique

How to Play It

Clean chord voicings with precise strumming — the Signals era required Lifeson to play rhythmically accurate parts that lock with the synthesizers, leaving less room for improvised fills than the earlier prog-rock period.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Stratocaster → Roland JC-120 (the built-in chorus is essential) or Boss CE-2 Chorus into any clean amp → Boss DD-3 delay for the slightly ambient sound. The JC-120 chorus cannot be accurately replicated by other chorus pedals.

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