Shivers

The recording

Shivers features a bright, clean‑ish electric guitar that sits under the synth‑driven pop production. The part was recorded with a Fender Stratocaster and routed through a Line 6 HX Stomp set to a Basic Brit amp simulation, with light compression, subtle chorus, a short digital delay and a plate‑reverb blend. The track was recorded at Metropolis Studios in London with engineers Dan Pursey and Chris Laws, and additional programming by producers FRED and Johnny McDaid.

Tuning Standard E (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

Fender Stratocaster

Guitar

Ed Sheeran’s electric parts on Shivers are reported to have been played on a Fender Stratocaster, as suggested for achieving the bright, articulate tone heard in the mix.

Line 6 HX Stomp

Multi-Effects Pedal

The HX Stomp was used as the amp and effects platform for the electric guitar on Shivers, providing a Basic Brit amp simulation along with built‑in compression, chorus, delay and reverb settings as described in online tone guides.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Stratocaster

$150 to $250

Zoom G5n

Budget alternative · for the Line 6 HX Stomp

$150 to $200

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Play the chords with a pick near the bridge to emphasize the Strat’s bright treble
2. 2.Set the pickup selector to the bridge position for maximum attack
3. 3.Engage a mild compressor and set sustain around 4 to keep the rhythm tight
4. 4.Add a subtle chorus with depth about 3 and rate 2.5 to thicken the clean tone
5. 5.Apply a short digital delay set to roughly 450 ms with low mix to add rhythmic space