American Jesus

The recording

American Jesus was recorded in 1993 at Westbeach Recorders in Hollywood, California (source: Wikipedia). Brett Gurewitz and Greg Hetson performed the dual electric‑guitar tracks (source: MusicBrainz). Gurewitz used a 1970s Gibson Les Paul for the thick rhythm foundation, while Hetson employed a 1970s Gibson SG for the brighter lead lines (source: The Bad Religion Page). Both guitars were routed through a Marshall JCM 900 head set for high gain, delivering the tight, overdriven tone that defines the song’s aggressive punk sound.

Reported gear

1970s Gibson Les Paul

Guitar

Brett Gurewitz recorded his rhythm parts on "American Jesus" with a 1970s Gibson Les Paul, providing a thick mid‑range crunch that drives the song’s aggressive chord progressions.

1970s Gibson SG

Guitar

Greg Hetson’s lead lines were captured using a 1970s Gibson SG, delivering a slightly brighter attack that cuts through the dense rhythm backdrop.

1990s Marshall JCM 900

Amp

Both guitars were routed through a Marshall JCM 900 head, set for high gain to produce the tight, overdriven tone that defines the song’s punk aggression.

Alternatives

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1970s Gibson Les Paul

$250 to $350

Marshall JCM 900 reissue

Reissue · for the 1990s Marshall JCM 900

$1,200 to $1,500

Epiphone SG Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1970s Gibson SG

$200 to $300

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Attack each down‑stroke with a firm grip to maintain the tight, relentless rhythm.
2. 2.Use the bridge pickup for a sharper, cutting tone on lead parts.
3. 3.Employ palm‑muted power chords on verses, letting them open up in the chorus.
4. 4.Add slight vibrato at the end of melodic lines to emulate Hetson’s lead style.
5. 5.Keep the amp gain high but control feedback with precise picking.