Song Rig
Sunshine of Your Love
Eric Clapton · Disraeli Gears · 1967
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The riff that defined the Cream sound — a Gibson SG through a Marshall driven by a Rangemaster treble booster. The treble booster removes low frequencies before they hit the Marshall, creating a thick, harmonically rich midrange saturation rather than the full-frequency roar of modern high-gain amps. Clapton's vibrato-heavy lead tone on the solo is one of the most imitated in rock.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson SG Standard (humbucker, neck/bridge)
- 2Dallas Range Master Treble Booster
- 3Marshall JTM45 Super Lead (cranked)
Amp Settings
Marshall cranked with the Rangemaster pushing the input. The treble booster cuts low-end before the amp, so the bass knob can sit lower than expected — the mids carry the harmonic density. Full output stage saturation is essential.
Technique
How to Play It
The riff uses a consistent down-up picking pattern with the wrist resting lightly on the bridge — the string muting between notes is as rhythmically important as the notes themselves. The solo uses slow, wide vibrato applied after the bend reaches pitch, not during.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any humbucker guitar into a Marshall (real or Katana in Marshall mode) with a TC Electronic Spark Booster set for treble emphasis. Alternatively, a Boss SD-1 as a treble-biased mild overdrive before a cranked amp.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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