Song Rig

Erotic Cakes

Guthrie Govan · Erotic Cakes · 2006

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The album's title track demonstrates Guthrie's range from Hendrixian blues-rock to jazz-influenced fusion within a single piece. The tone is earthier than Wonderful Slippery Thing — more mid-forward and slightly compressed, evoking the late-1960s British blues-rock tradition.

Signal Chain

1Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature (middle pickup, volume ~8)
2Marshall JTM45 or Matchless DC30 (moderate gain)
3Dunlop Cry Baby (loose wah positioning)
4Analogman King of Tone (light overdrive)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume5

Bass6

Mid7

Treble6

Presence5

A vintage British amp voicing — JTM45-style, moderate gain, with the mid-forward character typical of EL34-based circuits. Avoid high gain; the complexity of the playing is best heard through a semi-clean tone.

Technique

How to Play It

Wah used as an expressive filter rather than a rhythmic effect — held in a fixed position or rocked slowly rather than the faster technique common in Hendrix or funk playing.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Stratocaster or Tele → Vox AC30 or Marshall Origin → Dunlop Cry Baby + low-gain overdrive (TS9, BB Preamp). Focus on dynamics — play harder for more drive, softer for clean.

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