Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

The recording

The single was recorded at SARM West Studios, London, in a single take with George Michael on vocals and a rhythm section built around a Linn drum machine. Andrew Ridgeley and session guitarist Hugh Burns added electric guitars that sit behind the synths and horns, using a clean, slightly compressed tone that emphasizes the upbeat chord stabs characteristic of the song's Motown‑inspired groove. Both guitars were likely double‑tracked to thicken the texture, and no heavy distortion was used, keeping the parts bright and rhythmic.

Reported gear

1970s Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Andrew Ridgeley provided the rhythmic electric guitar parts on the track, using his 1970s Fender Telecaster to achieve a bright, percussive tone that drives the song's Motown‑style groove.

Electric guitar (instrument not documented)

Guitar

Session guitarist Hugh Burns contributed additional electric guitar lines; the specific make and model he used on this recording have not been publicly documented.

Alternatives

Fender Player Telecaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1970s Fender Telecaster

$600 to 800

Squier Affinity Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Electric guitar (instrument not documented)

$400 to 500

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Strum on the up‑beats with a light, percussive attack to capture the song’s bounce.
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup for a brighter tone and roll off the tone knob slightly.
3. 3.Use a clean amp setting with a touch of compression to let the chords sustain evenly.
4. 4.Keep chord voicings open and let the horns cut through the mix.