Wonderwall

The recording

Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales during the (What's the Story) Morning Glory? sessions, the track was captured live onto analogue tape. Noel Gallagher’s rhythmic acoustic part was played on a large‑bodied Epiphone EJ‑200 (or a similar Gibson J‑200) with a capo on the second fret, recorded both through a Neumann U87 microphone and a direct‑in signal to achieve a dense, percussive “wall of sound”. Layered electric rhythm tracks were added later using a semi‑hollow Epiphone Riviera fed through a Marshall stack, with heavy compression applied during mixing to keep the strumming tight and bright.

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

Reported gear

1990s Epiphone EJ-200 Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Noel Gallagher recorded the main acoustic rhythm on a 1990s Epiphone EJ‑200, a large‑bodied acoustic that delivers a rich, full‑bodied tone, captured by a Neumann U87 and a direct‑in blend for extra low‑end.

Mid‑90s Epiphone Riviera Semi‑Hollow Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar

For the layered electric rhythm parts Gallagher used a semi‑hollow Epiphone Riviera, whose resonant body added air while retaining clarity when run through the Marshall stack.

Marshall 100W Stack (model unspecified)

Amplifier

The electric guitar was driven through a Marshall 100‑watt stack, delivering a bright, slightly overdriven tone that sits behind the acoustic foundation without overwhelming it.

Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (used with the stack)

Cabinet

Paired with the stack, a classic 4×12 Marshall cabinet provided the mid‑range punch and depth that help the electric rhythm cut through the mix.

Alternatives

Yamaha FG830

Budget alternative · for the 1990s Epiphone EJ-200 Acoustic Guitar

$350 to $450

Marshall DSL40CR

Budget alternative · for the Marshall 100W Stack (model unspecified)

$800 to $1,000

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Mid‑90s Epiphone Riviera Semi‑Hollow Electric Guitar

$400 to $500

Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (used)

Budget alternative · for the Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (used with the stack)

$800 to $1,200

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Place a capo on the 2nd fret and tune to standard EADGBE.
2. 2.Strum with a medium‑pick, letting the pick attack the strings sharply for a percussive feel.
3. 3.Use a relaxed wrist and let the down‑strokes ring, avoiding heavy palm‑muting.
4. 4.Layer multiple takes and pan them slightly left/right for the signature “wall of sound”.
5. 5.Apply light compression on the final mix to keep the rhythm tight.