Like a Prayer

The recording

Recorded in early 1989 at Johnny Yuma Recording in Burbank and Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood, "Like a Prayer" features a clean electric guitar riff performed by session players Dann Huff and Bruce Gaitsch. The guitars were tracked direct into the board with a subtle chorus and compression, giving the part a percussive, slightly squishy character that drives the song’s gospel‑rock feel.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

1978 Fender Stratocaster

Guitar

Dann Huff recorded the clean, bright rhythm guitar on "Like a Prayer" using a 1978 Fender Stratocaster, delivering the song’s iconic opening riff.

1979 Boss CE-2 Chorus

Chorus

A Boss CE-2 Chorus was applied to the Strat’s signal, adding a subtle, squishy shimmer that helps the part cut through the dense mix.

1965 Fender Twin Reverb

Amp

The signal was amplified through a 1965 Fender Twin Reverb, providing a clean, full‑bodied tone that sits prominently in the mix.

1970s Urei 1176 Compressor

Compressor

A Urei 1176 compressor was inserted in the signal path, tightening the dynamics and enhancing the attack of each strummed chord.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1978 Fender Stratocaster

$400 to $500

Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb

Reissue · for the 1965 Fender Twin Reverb

$1,200 to $1,500

Boss CE-2W Chorus

Modern equivalent · for the 1979 Boss CE-2 Chorus

$140 to $150

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter

Modern equivalent · for the 1970s Urei 1176 Compressor

$1,500 to $2,300

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Use the neck pickup on a Stratocaster for a warm, rounded tone.
2. 2.Add a light chorus effect set to a moderate depth to emulate the song’s shimmer.
3. 3.Apply fast‑attack compression to tighten the rhythm and bring out the attack.
4. 4.Keep the strumming tight and syncopated to lock in with the drum groove.