Thinking Out Loud

The recording

Sheeran recorded the rhythm part on a Martin LX1E acoustic‑electric, using a capo on the 2nd fret and a Travis‑style fingerpicking pattern that alternates bass notes with higher strings. The electric solo was overdubbed with his Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster, picked near the neck to emphasize the warm single‑coil output. Both parts were tracked cleanly and blended with subtle reverb to sit behind the vocal.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E) with capo on 2nd fret

Reported gear

Martin LX1E Acoustic-Electric

Acoustic Guitar

Ed Sheeran’s primary acoustic‑electric used on the finger‑picked intro and throughout the track, captured direct or mic’d for a clean, warm tone.

Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Signature

Electric Guitar

The brief solo is played on Ed’s Fender Stratocaster (Clapton signature), delivering a warm single‑coil tone that sits atop the mix.

Alternatives

Yamaha FS800

Modern equivalent · for the Martin LX1E Acoustic-Electric

$180 to $200

Squier Affinity Stratocaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Signature

$200 to $250

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Capo the 2nd fret and use a D‑shape chord progression.
2. 2.Employ a Travis‑style fingerpicking pattern: thumb on the bass, index and middle on the treble strings.
3. 3.Pick close to the neck for a warm, rounded tone on the acoustic.
4. 4.For the solo, use the neck pickup on the Stratocaster and add light vibrato.
5. 5.Let each note ring fully; avoid heavy palm‑muting to preserve the song’s airy feel.