Rolling in the Deep

The recording

Rolling in the Deep features a percussive acoustic rhythm guitar played by producer Paul Epworth on a Taylor 814ce, recorded with a condenser microphone at Eastcote Studios, and a subtle electric guitar layer also performed by Epworth, captured through an unknown studio amp. The acoustic part drives the song’s groove, while the electric adds texture, both sitting behind the dominant piano and vocal in the final mix. The track was engineered by Mark Rankin and mixed by Tom Elmhirst, who used compression and reverb to integrate the guitar parts into the dense arrangement.

Reported gear

Taylor 814ce

Acoustic Guitar

Paul Epworth performed the acoustic rhythm on a Taylor 814ce, captured with a condenser microphone for a bright, articulate sound.

Electric Guitar (unknown)

Electric Guitar

An electric guitar part, also played by Paul Epworth, adds subtle texture; the exact make and model were not documented in the session notes.

Amplifier (unknown model)

Amplifier

The electric guitar was routed through an unidentified studio amplifier; the clean British‑voiced tone has led some commentators to attribute it to a Vox AC30, though no official source confirms the model.

Alternatives

Taylor 214ce

Modern equivalent · for the Taylor 814ce

$600 to $800

Vox AC30

Modern equivalent · for the Amplifier (unknown model)

$2,300 to $2,500

Fender Telecaster (standard)

Budget alternative · for the Electric Guitar (unknown)

$1,200 to $1,500

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Strum the acoustic guitar with a tight, percussive down‑stroke to capture the track’s rhythmic feel.
2. 2.Select the neck pickup on a solid‑body electric for a warm, rounded tone that blends into the mix.
3. 3.Apply light compression to the acoustic track to keep the dynamics consistent with the piano.
4. 4.Pan the acoustic and electric guitars slightly off‑center to create a subtle stereo spread.