Gibson Les Paul Standard
Humbucker main guitar for thick, sustaining tone.
Sources
SourcesWikipedia
Gear & Tone AtlasVerified
Slash
Hampstead, United Kingdomhard rock, blues rock
Melodic, blues-based solos in stadium-sized rock songs.
Guitarist Profile
Artistry & Style
Signature Techniques
pentatonic phrasingwah pedalstring bending
Key Takeaway for Players
“Write solos that sing the song, not solos that shout over it.”
Origin & Era
Hampstead, United Kingdom
51.56° N, -0.18° W
Gear & Tone Atlas
VerifiedEquipment & Sound
The instruments, pedals, amplifiers, and signal chain that shape the sound of Slash.
What defines the sound
Signature Tone
Slash relies on Les Paul humbuckers pushed into Marshall stacks for a warm, midrange-rich overdrive that sustains effortlessly. He keeps the gain moderate so chords stay clear, and uses a wah for vocal lead phrasing. The tone is rooted in blues rock: thick, singing and dynamic rather than scooped or modern.
From guitar to amp
Signal Chain
- guitarConfirmed
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Humbucker main guitar for thick, sustaining tone.
- wahConfirmed
Dunlop Cry Baby
Wah for vocal lead phrasing.
- delayProbable
Delay pedal
Subtle delay to add depth to solos.
- ampConfirmed
Marshall Signature / Silver Jubilee
British stack for warm, midrange-rich overdrive.
Instruments
Slash Guitars
Confirmed
On the board
Pedals & Effects
Dunlop Cry Baby
Wah for vocal lead phrasing.
wah
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
Delay pedal
Subtle delay to add depth to solos.
delay
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
Amplification
Slash Amps
Marshall Signature / Silver Jubilee
British stack for warm, midrange-rich overdrive.
For players
How to Sound Like Slash
Key tone ingredients
- a Les Paul style guitar
- a Marshall style amp
- a wah pedal
- moderate gain
Affordable alternatives
- any humbucker single-cut guitar
- a plexi-voiced modeller
Suggested effect settings
- wah for leads
- a little delay for depth
Amp settings
- medium gain so chords stay clear
- warm mids
- moderate treble
Playing technique tips
- phrase leads like a blues singer
- use vibrato and bends
- let notes sustain
What to avoid
- scooped, fizzy high gain
- burying chords in distortion
Verification
Sources
Every gear claim links to a source. Items marked probable or inspired-by are not fully confirmed.
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