Song Rig
Gold on the Ceiling
Dan Auerbach · El Camino · 2011
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Hard-driving two-piece blues rock at its most anthemic — El Camino was a sonic step up from earlier Black Keys albums, with more studio polish and punchier tones. The guitar riff is thick, mid-forward and slightly phased, with the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress adding subtle modulation to the crunch.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson ES-335 or Silvertone (vintage)
- 2EHX Electric Mistress (flanger/chorus)
- 3Fender Super Reverb or similar
Amp Settings
Moderate to high gain from the amp or a light overdrive — the tone is dirty but not metallic. Electric Mistress adds subtle phasing movement that makes the riff feel bigger. Bass up for thickness consistent with the Black Keys' two-piece full sound.
Technique
How to Play It
Aggressive rhythm playing covering the full frequency range — Auerbach plays to fill the sonic space left by having no bassist. The right hand dynamics are wide, moving between heavy strummed chords and lighter single-note fills.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Semi-hollow or P90-equipped guitar → EHX Electric Mistress → Fender Super Reverb or cranked Blues Junior. The Electric Mistress is fairly specific to this tone.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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