Recreating the Edge's guitar sound.

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Apr 12, 2008
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I've been thinking about forming a U2 cover band lately, you know one of those "tribute bands".

The edge (U2's lead guitarist) has a very distinctive style. My question is, how do I replicate it? Suppose I'll cut no expense in what I need to buy. I'm just curious. Please I'd rather not see an overwhelming link that is a video to the Edge "behind the scenes" where they show the equipment and don't even explain what they are or where to get them. I've already seen those videos before.

Haters of U2 feel free to post here but don't expect me to care or react.
 
It's a digital delay pedal.

He probably uses a chorus pedal too.
 
It's a digital delay pedal.

He probably uses a chorus pedal too.

If you can't figure these things out on your own, you may want to reconsider forming a cover band.
 
If you can't figure these things out on your own, you may want to reconsider forming a cover band.

I did know that much (that he uses a delay pedal and chorus) but I wasn't sure on the specifics, such as EXACTLY what equipment he uses. I've seen people on youtube try to emulate the edge with just delay pedals and chorus's plugged into an amp and trust me, it dosen't work very well. If you don't believe me, I can link you youtubers failing to sound like the edge.
 
Ask on a Coldplay forum, i've heard they are very good at copying other bands.

Moderator Action: Word on the street is that this is troll that is not obvious to the general population. If so, please stop.
 
As much as I hate to admit it, this was rather humorous- and that's coming from a U2 fan!

Seriously that video was funny. Keep it up. :)
Thanks. Was hoping that wouldn't be taken in the wrong spirit.

To be fair to the Edge, he seems to be well aware of it...


Link to video.

I suppose he sees himself as playing the effects as much as playing the guitar, which is certainly valid. I doubt most other guitarists could imitate him without a bit of thought.
 
Not all people can afford such equipment though ;)

I remember back when i was learning guitar that at first i thought the edge was a good guitarist, but then i saw the tabs, and, well, he doesnt play anything a beginner cannot.
 
I remember back when i was learning guitar that at first i thought the edge was a good guitarist, but then i saw the tabs, and, well, he doesnt play anything a beginner cannot.
Well, that's why I suggest that he's playing the effects, not just the guitar. Music is ultimately about crafting sound, after all, and that can be done in ways which may fall outside of the traditional archetypes. "Effects" isn't a dirty word, after all, or at least not outside some schools of punk rock purism.
 
Yeah i am not saying he is a failure or anything, but he isnt a good guitarist in my view. Guitar is about scales, melody, composition. He comes across as someone who knows very little both in composing and in playing.
I used to love that band when i was 16, but it is exactly that: a band 16-year olds like.

But still the Edge>Bono :)
 
Yeah i am not saying he is a failure or anything, but he isnt a good guitarist in my view. Guitar is about scales, melody, composition. He comes across as someone who knows very little both in composing and in playing.
Which is fair enough, I'm just noting that it's important not to let any evaluation of his work by distorted by traditional notions of what a guitarist "should" be doing.
 
He's no Jimi Hendrix (who created his own effects pedals).
 
He's no Jimi Hendrix (who created his own effects pedals).

I don't think anyone ever said he was a Jimi Hendrix, nor is there an ongoing debate about that in the guitar community. I think the Edge is a good guitarist even though his songs are (relatively) easy. Secondly, just because his songs are easy to play dosen't make them bad songs. If the music sounds good to the ears, that's all that really matters.

Jimi Hendrix was a legendary guitarist who played amazing songs.

As for the edge? I don't think his songs are (difficulty wise) near as hard as Hendrix's stuff, but if it pleases the ears, that's all the really matters as far as i'm consirned. There are apparently people on this forum that actually think just because music is easy to play it's automatically bad. :mischief:

The edge is very innovative with his equipment, and makes cool effects that lots of people wouldn't even think of. Again, I'm not saying he's like Jimi Hendrix in any way. But I am saying he's a good guitarist.
 
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