Song Rig

Cliffs of Dover

Eric Johnson · Ah Via Musicom · 1990

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

One of the most technically precise guitar tones in rock — every note is crystal clear, the articulation immaculate, the tone warm but sparklingly defined. Eric Johnson uses a Stratocaster (mid-heavy pickup selection, often neck+middle) through a Marshall and Fender simultaneously. He has notoriously precise ears; he can allegedly hear the difference in tone between different brands of 9-volt battery.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (neck+middle pickup position)
2Marshall Super Lead + Fender Vibrolux (dual amp)
3Boss CE-2 Chorus (subtle)
4digital reverb

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume6

Bass5

Mid7

Treble6

Presence5

Reverb4

Dual amp approach: Marshall for warmth and sustain, Fender for clarity and sparkle — blended together. The result is neither fully British nor fully American in character. Boss CE-2 chorus at minimal depth for shimmer without obvious wobble. Every note must ring clearly.

Technique

How to Play It

Extremely clean alternate picking at very high speed — Johnson's picking technique is renowned for its economy and accuracy. No wasted motion; each note has precisely the same attack. Pentatonic scale vocabulary combined with chromatic and jazz-influenced passing notes. The tone is partly technique: Johnson produces minimal string noise and squeaks because of his precise fretting.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Stratocaster (neck or neck+middle) → Boss CE-2 chorus → Marshall JCM800 + reverb (or Line 6 Helix modelling both amp types). The dual-amp blend can be approximated by using a modeller with parallel amp paths.

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