Everybody Wants to Rule the World

The recording

Orzabal recorded the clean rhythm parts on a 1970s Fender Stratocaster tuned down to Drop D, feeding a Roland JC‑120 Jazz Chorus with its built‑in stereo chorus engaged. The part was tracked live in Ian Stanley’s home studio, the amp’s clean channel set low and the chorus depth turned up high, giving the shimmering texture that sits front‑and‑center in the mix.

Tuning Drop D (D A D G B E)

Reported gear

Fender Stratocaster

Guitar

Roland Orzabal performed the opening arpeggiated chords on a 1970s Fender Stratocaster, lowering the low E string to D for a fuller low end.

Boss CE-2 Chorus

Pedal

A Boss CE‑2 chorus pedal was placed before the amp, set with depth high and rate slow to thicken the clean tone further.

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Amp

The Strat was routed through a Roland JC‑120 Jazz Chorus, using its built‑in stereo chorus to create the signature shimmering texture of the track.

Alternatives

Fender Player Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the Fender Stratocaster

$800 to $900

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (reissue)

Reissue · for the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

$1,300 to $1,500

Boss CE-2W Chorus

Modern equivalent · for the Boss CE-2 Chorus

$140 to $180

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Play the main riff on the neck pickup of a clean‑set Stratocaster.
2. 2.Drop‑tune the low E string to D before strumming the chords.
3. 3.Engage a high‑depth chorus (either the amp’s built‑in or a CE‑2) to get the shimmering texture.
4. 4.Strum with an even, relaxed attack so the chorus can ring out.
5. 5.Keep the amp’s gain low and volume moderate to preserve clarity.