Song Rig
In the Midnight Hour
Steve Cropper · In the Midnight Hour · 1965
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The Wilson Pickett classic that Cropper co-wrote in a Miami hotel room — the Stax rhythm guitar pattern that defined 1960s soul music. The Telecaster chord stab on the 'and' of beat 2 creates the delayed groove that made In the Midnight Hour physically irresistible to dancers.
Signal Chain
- 1Fender Telecaster (bridge pickup)
- 2Fender Deluxe (small combo, pushed)
Amp Settings
Identical Memphis Stax sound to Green Onions — Cropper used the same basic setup throughout the Stax house band era. The consistency of tone was part of the Stax Records sound identity.
Technique
How to Play It
The Stax delayed upbeat chord — Cropper places the chord stab on the 'and' of beat 2 (between beats 2 and 3) rather than directly on the beat. This subtle rhythmic displacement creates a stumbling, irresistibly danceable delayed groove.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Telecaster → clean Fender amp → practice the rhythmic placement: in 4/4 time, the chord hits on 'and-2' (the eighth note between beats 2 and 3), not on the downbeat. This is Cropper's most important contribution to popular music.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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