David Gilmour’s guitar tone on "Run Like Hell" - GUITAR HELP

David Gilmour’s guitar tone on "Run Like Hell" - GUITAR HELP

David Gilmour’s guitar tone on "Run Like Hell" is one of his most iconic—sharp, rhythmic, atmospheric, and full of character. Here's a breakdown of the gear setup he used (or is widely known to have used) for this track, particularly during The Wall era:

 

🎸 Guitar

  • Fender Black Stratocaster (1970s)

    • Mods: Gilmour's Black Strat was heavily modified over the years. During The Wall sessions and tours, it had:

      • A Seymour Duncan SSL-1 single-coil pickup in the neck and middle positions.

      • A custom wound pickup in the bridge position (sometimes reported as a DiMarzio FS-1 in earlier periods).

      • A shortened tremolo arm for more subtle control.

    • Contribution to Tone: The Strat's naturally bright and snappy tone was perfect for the rhythmic, delay-driven pulse of "Run Like Hell."

 

🎛️ Effects Pedals

This song relied heavily on effects to create its distinctive rhythm and atmosphere.

  1. Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix

    • Adds a sweeping, jet-like modulation that’s central to the song’s spacious sound.

  2. Binson Echorec (Studio) / MXR Digital Delay or DDL (Live)

    • Used to create the rhythmic delay pattern—essentially forming the backbone of the song’s pulse.

    • In live setups during The Wall tour, Gilmour often used a custom Pete Cornish rig with integrated delay units.

  3. Hiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) + WEM Cabinets

    • High headroom amp with clear, powerful response. Essential for clean tones and for preserving effect clarity.

  4. Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (used selectively)

    • While Run Like Hell is more of a clean/modulated tone, Gilmour often used the Big Muff in combination with delay and modulation for added punch when needed.

  5. Boss CE-2 Chorus or Uni-Vibe (in some live versions)

    • Adds subtle modulation and depth to the clean tone, helping to fill space during live performances.

  6. Volume and Wah Pedal (used for expressive dynamics)

🔧 Amp & Cab Configuration

  • Hiwatt DR103 (100W) Head

    • Clean, powerful British tone with a very open midrange.

  • WEM 4x12 Speaker Cabinets

    • Loaded with Fane Crescendo speakers, known for their clear highs and warm mids.

 

🔄 Signal Chain (Simplified)

Guitar → Flanger → Delay → Amp Head → WEM Cabinets

 

🧠 Tone and Style Explanation

  • The flanger gives the song that haunting, swirling pulse.

  • Delay is crucial—used in a dotted-eighth note setting to create a rhythmic echo that interlocks with the strumming pattern. The first delay is 380 ms, mixed high with 7 feedback repeats. The second delay is 507 ms, set for 1 feedback repeat.

  • The clean amp tone ensures that the modulation and delay effects are articulate and don’t get muddy.

  • Strumming technique is also key—Gilmour used a syncopated pattern that interacts with the delay to create a hypnotic groove.

 

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