Dakota

The recording

The track features a dual‑guitar arrangement recorded on separate LeadGt and RhyGt tracks, creating a wide, punchy rock sound. Kelly Jones aimed for a natural, aggressive tone, relying on the character of his guitars and amp rather than heavy effects. The mix places the guitars front‑and‑center with subtle double‑track panning to enhance stereo width.

Reported gear

Gibson SG Standard (1970s era)

Guitar

Kelly Jones recorded both the rhythm and lead parts for "Dakota" on his Gibson SG, using the bridge humbuckers for a thick, mid‑range tone that cuts through the mix.

Marshall JCM2000 100W Head (1990s)

Amp

He drove the SG into a Marshall JCM2000 100‑watt head, providing the saturated overdrive heard throughout the track.

Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (1980s)

Cabinet

The amp was paired with a Marshall 4×12 speaker cabinet, delivering the powerful, full‑bodied sound that sits prominently in the mix.

Alternatives

Epiphone SG Standard

Modern equivalent · for the Gibson SG Standard (1970s era)

$400 to $600

Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (1980s)

$1,000 to $1,500

Marshall DSL40CR

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall JCM2000 100W Head (1990s)

$800 to $1,100

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge humbucker on the SG for the aggressive main riff.
2. 2.Set the amp gain to medium‑high and keep the master volume moderate for clarity.
3. 3.Double‑track the lead line and pan one take left, the other right for width.
4. 4.Use light palm‑muting on the rhythm chords to tighten the groove.
5. 5.Add subtle vibrato or bends on the final notes to match the recorded phrasing.