How to Get a Toto / Steve Lukather-Style Tone
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A Steve Lukather-style tone is smooth, singing and studio-polished — the sound behind countless hit records. Here's how to get close.
The key ingredients
- Amp: a boutique high-gain amp with rich, smooth sustain (Bogner-style).
- Guitar: a humbucker-loaded guitar with a strong midrange.
- Effects: tasteful stereo delay, chorus and reverb for that big 80s lead.
- Feel: legato phrasing and vibrato give it the vocal quality.
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Explore singing lead tones in our rock presets and 80s collection.
FAQ
What makes the tone so smooth? A refined high-gain amp with strong mids, plus tasteful stereo effects.
Humbuckers or single-coils? Mostly humbuckers for the thick, singing lead.
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