Song Rig
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
Duane Allman · The Allman Brothers Band · 1969
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The dual-guitar interplay of Duane and Dickey Betts at its most musical — an instrumental that established the template for twin-lead guitar harmony in rock. Duane's slide tone on the studio version uses open E tuning through the Les Paul/Marshall combination, producing a warm, sustaining slide voice that weaves through Dickey's conventional lead lines.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Standard (1957 Goldtop converted to humbucker)
- 2Marshall Super Lead (moderate volume)
- 3Coricidin bottle glass slide
Amp Settings
Duane's studio tone is warmer and less aggressive than his live recordings — the Marshall is at a lower volume that allows for nuance in the slide passages. The Coricidin glass slide produces a smoother attack than metal slides.
Technique
How to Play It
Open E slide playing with careful intonation — Duane placed the slide precisely over the fret for clean pitch, unlike some slide players who use approximate positioning. His muting with both the slide hand and picking hand kept unwanted string noise minimal.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul or SG in open E tuning → glass or Pyrex slide → Marshall or Fender Bassman at moderate volume. A Coricidin glass bottle or similar pharmaceutical glass slide produces the characteristic smoothness.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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