How to Capture The Edge’s U2 Guitar Tone

The next in a series of step-by-step guides to home recording

Jim Dalrymple | 01.12.2009

David Evans, better known as The Edge, is one of the most innovative guitarists of modern times. His guitar prowess, especially in the use of delays, helped bring U2 to the forefront of music and make them one of the best rock bands of the ’80s, ’90s and into the new century.

I must say that I am a bigger fan of U2’s older music than any of the band’s newer songs. I’m not quite sure what still draws me to the album War, but it is easily one of my favorites.

Perhaps it’s the rawness of the music and guitar playing on that album. Whatever it is, that album laid the groundwork for U2 to become one of the greatest bands of all time. Of course, Boy and October were solid releases on their own, but I think War really showed that U2 was something special.

War spawned hits like “New Year’s Day,” “Two Hearts Beat as One” and “Seconds,” although the whole album was a solid release for the band.

The Unforgettable Fire showed more of The Edge’s guitar expertise with hits like “Bad” and “Pride.” However, it was the band’s follow-up album that would put U2 on top of the rock world.

The Joshua Tree was one of those epic albums that only comes along every decade or so. It has songs that everyone can identify with, no matter your favorite genre of music. “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For,” “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” headlined the album, but there really were no bad songs.

Nineteen-eighty-eight brought one of my favorite U2 songs of all time. The classic “When Love Comes to Town,” a collaboration with the legendary B.B. King released on Rattle and Hum.

Through the years, The Edge experimented like very few guitarists of his age did. He managed to find a sound and playing style that many have tried to duplicate, but none have successfully done.

I used a dual tone setup for Guitar Rig 3, AmpliTube and Pod Farm to capture The Edge’s guitar tone.

When it comes to amps, The Edge uses a Vox AC30 as his main amp, but also uses a Fender Deluxe Tweed. I used the same models in software to replicate his sound. Of course I also used delay and reverb, as well as placing a Screamer in there for the heavier parts of his guitar playing.

The Edge has an enviable collection of guitars, from Fender to Gretsch and a large collection of Gibsons including a Les Paul Goldtop, Les Paul Standard, SG, J-200, ES-175, ES-330 and an ES-335, among many others. And his history with the Gibson Explorer is legendary.

The Edge’s contribution to modern guitar cannot be understated. Have fun playing some U2’s great guitar works.

Download the Edge Guitar Rig Preset

Download the Edge Pod Preset

Download the Edge Amplitube Preset

Check back next week to learn how to capture Joan Jett’s guitar tone!