Mark Ronson
Uptown Special · 2014
Amp settings (as recorded)
The recording
Recorded between 2013 and 2014, 'Uptown Funk' was a collaborative effort between Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, and Jeff Bhasker. The song was heavily influenced by the Daptone Records aesthetic, utilizing classic analog studio gear and tape machines (including Ampex tape recorders). The guitar parts were notoriously difficult to lock in, with Ronson laboring over the rhythm track for months to achieve the 'effortless' live-band feel that defines the track's dancefloor energy.
Tuning
StandardRecording Signal Chain · 3 items
Stratocaster
Fender
Primary rhythm guitar
Used in the bridge/middle position for a clunky, out-of-phase funk tone
Bi-Phase
Mu-Tron
Modulation/Texture
Renowned for its use on classic soul/funk records and by Carlos Alomar
Gemini
Ampeg
Amplification
Vintage tube amp recorded at Daptone-affiliated sessions
Tone Characteristics
ToneTwin