Rocket Queen

Claude's Recommendations

• DRIVE: JCM Amp (JC) at gain 32 — approximates the modified Marshall Super Tremolo (Stock #36/39) Slash rented from SIR; the mod added an extra preamp stage for more gain, making it hotter than a stock Plexi but less compressed than a modern hi-gain amp; resist pushing gain past 35 or you lose the open, punchy character.
• NO COMP/WAH — Slash's AFD tone was pure amp saturation with no compressor or boost pedal in the chain; the Les Paul humbucker output into the hot-rodded Marshall did all the work; leaving COMP/WAH bypassed keeps the dynamics raw and organic.
• MODULATION: Subtle Chorus (rate 8, depth 3) — Slash used the MXR M234 Analog Chorus to gently thicken rhythm and lead tones on Appetite; keep it barely audible, just enough to add dimension without sounding like an 80s chorus effect.
• DELAY: Digital delay at 350ms, feedback 3 — the Boss DD-3 was used for ambience on Rocket Queen's lead sections; moderate delay time gives the solo phrases that trailing space without muddying the mix.
• EXPRESSION PEDAL → Drive Gain: roll back to ~18–20 for the funk-groove rhythm riff at the top of the song, push full for the hard rock chorus chug and soaring solo — this mirrors Slash's real technique of using his Les Paul volume knob dynamically.