Teenage Kicks

The recording

Recorded on 16 June 1978 at Wizard Studios in Belfast, "Teenage Kicks" was captured on a modest £200 budget using a 4‑track TEAC recorder. Engineer Davy Shannon tracked the two guitars live through a Marshall JTM45 into a 4×12 cabinet, mic'd with a Shure SM57, preserving the raw energy of the band's performance.

Tuning E A D G B E

Reported gear

1960s Fender Telecaster

Guitar

John O’Neill recorded the opening power chords on his 1960s Fender Telecaster, delivering the bright, trebly attack that defines the song’s hook.

1970s Gibson SG

Guitar

Damian O’Neill added a complementary rhythm line on his 1970s Gibson SG, giving the track its thick, mid‑range body.

Marshall JTM45 (1965)

Amplifier

Both guitars were run through a Marshall JTM45 head, providing the raw, crunchy overdrive that drives the single’s punchy sound.

Marshall 4×12 Cabinet (1965)

Cabinet

The amp was mated to a Marshall 4×12 speaker cabinet, captured with a close‑mic Shure SM57, delivering a tight, aggressive tone.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1960s Fender Telecaster

$250 to $350

Marshall JTM45 reissue

Reissue · for the Marshall JTM45 (1965)

$1,500 to $2,800

Epiphone SG Standard

Modern equivalent · for the 1970s Gibson SG

$300 to $400

Marshall 1960 4×12 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 4×12 Cabinet (1965)

$800 to $1,200

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Use the bridge pickup for maximum brightness
2. 2.Attack the strings with a firm, fast pick near the bridge
3. 3.Set the amp treble high and keep gain moderate to emulate natural overdrive
4. 4.Choose a light‑gauge set such as .010‑.046 for rapid chord changes
5. 5.Add slight palm‑muting on the low strings to tighten the rhythm