How to Sound Like U2’s The Edge

A Little Edge History

David Howell Evans sure picked an interesting name to go by as a rock guitarist when he chose The Edge. His name and guitar tone are all a product of that ‘80s era of going big in every aspect of art and music. While U2 was not specifically a hair metal or arena rock group, at that time most bands were going for a vast and expansive sound. 

The ‘80s were also a period where pedals and effects became more available to musicians outside a studio setting. The Edge bought a Gibson Explorer, an AC30 Vox Amp, and an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man delay pedal which all became the core of his guitar tone and the vibe of U2. Delay pedals can make it difficult to play a variety of notes or thick guitar chords and that helped shape his playing style.

The Edge is not known as a flashy or fast guitar player because it is not possible to be flashy with so much echo! He is one of those guitarists who have created a new instrument with a guitar and effects mixed. The use of delay, echo, and reverb helped give U2 an instantly recognisable sound. When playing guitar like The Edge, you will take a minimalist approach and let the technology build the tone.

Guitars, Pedals and Amps to Sound Like The Edge

There are two approaches to getting the technology necessary, if you have a massive budget you can buy the specific pedals mentioned. However not everyone has the means to buy a Gibson Explorer and a vintage Vox! For those on a lower budget you can use other pedals and gear that will still give you a similar sound. 

Guitar

Of course he also uses other guitars besides the Gibson Explorer, he has recorded albums with a Fender Strat and even has his own signature model. These will be the best two to pick if possible, but other modern electrics shouldn’t be a terrible start. The Edge’s sound is more in the delay and intervals than his guitar.

The Edge’s Guitar Strings

If you’re wondering, “what strings does The Edge use?”, and want to get the tone from classic U2 records, then look no further than Rotosound. The Edge has used a number of different strings manufactured by Rotosound since the early days of the band including their nickel wound Rotos electric guitar strings and Jumbo King acoustic strings.

The Edge’s string gauge of choice was either 9-42 Roto Pinks, 10-46 Roto Yellows, or the hybrid gauge of 9-46 Roto Oranges. Most guitars will come fitted with strings of this gauge from the factory, apart from the hybrid gauge, which was most likely used on guitars in alternative tunings. On acoustic guitar he chose 13-56 JK13 phosphor bronze strings.

Amp

The Vox AC30 was used by The Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and so many more bands because it was known for its top boost. This made it louder with added vibrance and “brilliance”. If you must use another style of amp you are looking for a clean rock sound with lots of boost and gain, but without any grit or mud. 

When you are using a delay or echo in a song it can quickly get ruined by too many overtones bouncing back and forth. We only want our clean notes to run through the rest of the pedals.