Song Rig

Green-Tinted Sixties Mind

Paul Gilbert · Lean Into It · 1991

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Mr. Big's most psychedelic track — Paul tones down the shred technique for a 1960s-influenced melody and chord progression, showing the Beatles and Weezer influence beneath the technical metal surface. The guitar tone is warmer and cleaner than the heavy Mr. Big tracks, with a slight vintage quality.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (neck pickup, for the vintage quality)
2Mesa Boogie (clean channel)
3Boss CE-2 Chorus (subtle)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume4

Bass6

Mid7

Treble6

Reverb3

Much cleaner than the heavy Mr. Big material — this track shows Paul's pop sensibility. The Strat neck pickup provides the warm, 1960s-adjacent tone that matches the psychedelic-influenced chord progression.

Technique

How to Play It

Melodic lead over 1960s-influenced chord changes — the solo uses primarily pentatonic and major scale patterns with deliberate melodic phrasing rather than technical display, demonstrating Paul's ability to prioritise the song over technical showmanship.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Stratocaster or any warm-voiced guitar → clean amp → subtle chorus → no technical exercises needed. This is Paul at his most approachable — good note choices and controlled vibrato.

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