Song Rig
Discipline
Robert Fripp · Discipline · 1981
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Fripp's new wave King Crimson era — the interlocking guitar patterns between Fripp and Adrian Belew create a polyrhythmic tapestry that influenced math rock and progressive metal. The tone is cleaner than 70s Crimson with a bright, precise attack through a Roland guitar synthesizer.
Signal Chain
- 1Roland GS-500 guitar synthesizer
- 2Fender guitar into Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 (clean sections)
- 3Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (flanger)
Amp Settings
Very clean Roland JC-120 voicing — the 1981 Crimson relied on clean tones and the interlocking rhythmic polyrhythm rather than distortion. The Guitar Synth adds a mechanical, synthetic quality to certain lines. The JC-120's clean headroom is essential; any breakup would muddy the interlocking parts.
Technique
How to Play It
Interlocking polyrhythmic picking patterns with Adrian Belew — both guitarists play in different time signatures simultaneously (5/8 against 4/4 for example), creating a shifting rhythmic grid. Each part sounds odd alone but locked together creates a hypnotic groove.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any clean-capable guitar → Roland JC-120 or any clean amp (Fender Twin) → EHX Electric Mistress flanger → practice the Discipline interlocking pattern slowly with a metronome at 60bpm before raising the tempo.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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