The Edge Strat® | Artist Signature Series | Fender

In this new mini documentary, U2 guitarist The Edge discusses the impact Rory Gallagher had on him as a child, his history with Fender and what went inspires him as an artist.
"Whenever I pick up a guitar, I'm like, 'OK, I know there's songs in here. I just need to find them,'" The Edge said.
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The Edge Signature Strat | Fender Signature Presents | Fender
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[@henrique6807]

"I hope if I do inspire somebody is to do something that I'm not doing." gotta love this guy

[@patrickjlyons]

I liked that too..but thought 'do something I'm not doing' wouldn't that sort of mean we shouldn't buy the guitar and be like edge...?

[@henrique6807]

+Patrick Lyons haha maybe!

[@Musicology1975]

+Patrick Lyons He's taking sound-wise not gear-wise i think what he means is hoping to see somebody inspired by his sound and taking it to a new artistic level.

[@javiceres]

+Musicology1975 of course ;)

[@Rikk_Klaww777]

A perfectionist.!

[@kevinmalone443]

It's about time. The Edge is one of the most under rated guitarists of this generation. The things that he can do with the sound and the technique he has always employed has made him one of the most unique and innovative musicians of our time. He single handedly changed the way rock guitar is played. ROCK ON EDGE !!!!!

[@pereztube2]

yup and he continues to inspire generations of non-musicians to spend thousands of dollars on pedals to make up for the fact that they can't play for shit

[@mead-wf1xu]

but he can write a hell of a song

[@nomadnomad9517]

dank_asian_snacks Jealous much?

[@realitybites4649]

The Edge is one of the most under rated guitarists of this generation? dude please

[@jas_bataille]

​@@pereztube2 Here's a message to all of Edge's detractors : Try to play like he does with the delay, or with a slide cut to a third of it's length, like he uses sometimes. One minuscule misstep and the entire rig is gone for at least two bars or something...! It takes phenomenal control to play the way he does it. A lot of virtuoso shredders don't have even close to this discipline - especially on a strat but he plays a lot of different guitars of course. He's as much a produced person, a DIY innovator of sound and a guitar player. Just because you don't understand or think he's "making up" for lack of abilities... I mean that's absurd. I myself do not like to use a delay and I use a very minimal pedal board. I like SRV, Johnson, Gallagher, Hendrix, Page, Beck just as much as him. But he is fucking unique. Do one does something in that style. That's what I love. At the end of the day, we *play* the guitar. Are kids judging each other for the way they play?! We're nothing but grown up kids playing grown up toys... all of us!

[@joeulrich3614]

I started listening to U2 back in 1983. Hearing the Edge is what inspired me to learn to play 35 years ago. I'm still learning to this day.

[@BB-pi2wd]

I played guitar the same sterile way for MANY years and I just knew I hit a plateau creatively I would never break through… I would never be able to reproduce what was truly in my head. Then I stumbled on a video with The Edge talking about his guitar playing approach and philosophy and it was like lightning hitting my brain, and I finally broke through to the other side of playing. It just all came together. I will never be able to express the level of gratitude I feel towards him. You can study and study and study fundamentals and then somebody comes along and changes the way you think about it all and everything just opens up. That is what The Edge did for me.

[@benjic80]

The Edge and Dallas are the most humble guys. The tones they have created have become classics. No guitar duo has taken what a electric guitar can do further. Class.

[@gooonher]

haha

[@honewhetstone1732]

I honestly love listening to The Edge talk. His passion, intelligence and knowledge comes across every time he talks. He really is the zen member of the band.

[@ThomasGeist]

Rory Gallagher, R.I.P. Blessed to have seen him play while he was still around! A worthy inspiration for the Edge.

[@TheFly212]

Bullet the Blue sky solo from zoo TV in Sydney is still one of the greatest guitar solo's I've ever heard.

[@letfreedomring6906]

That Strat definitely has the Edge sound to it, which is very cool.

[@paulhoward4402]

No matter if you like U2 or not , the Edge is such a great guitar player with a distinctive sound that instantly tells you who is playing. Not a shredder or flashy, but lots of atmospherics and effects that no one else has ever been able to copy. He probably would admit to copping some of his sound from Robert Fripp and Andy Summers, but he has made it his own beast.

[@curly_wyn]

You’re half-right. David Evans is really only as good as the equipment he works with.

[@ziggy3945]

I listened to U2 when I was younger and I would bring my phone on the bus to school and listen to U2. One day I was listening to Sunday Bloody Sunday, and I said to myself,'I want to play that'. I could see myself on a stage at a talent show playing it. Then my music teacher offered to give me an acoustic guitar and I got it. If it wasn't for U2, I probably wouldn't be playing guitar.

[@u2mixer]

Edge has his own song - the chord structure goes something like this... E....D....G.....E chime ;-)

[@lucilico]

this makes me even more excited for Songs of Experience!!!!

[@sinnerboy6009]

Rory and the edge legends 💚

[@The94Dan]

Holy fuck! New U2 snippet at the end. Sounds so good

[@thegeekyu2fanawesomeness571]

+The94Dan I know! I can't wait for the new album.

[@mattschnell7692]

S.O.E Baby! Wonder if it's that new tune "Tightrope" that Bono said edge was working on.

[@BandisomaVideos]

@@caiooliveira4692 so sad :(

[@cristian.ilie.018]

The New song sounds like TUF meets AB but it's definitely something new.....If SOE sounds anything like this...with creative riffs and solos by Edge then U2 are truly back !!! Pleasantly surprised to hear Edge singing along to the tune !!!

[@akashghosh7068]

exactly

[@bearnaisang3027]

How has the Edge influenced my playing? Every time I play a bright and shiny melody with reverb and delay I can only think of his work. What a guy, really knows how to write and play stuff that'll brighten your day.

[@RiverOfBlacklights]

Wish there was an Edge signature Explorer...

[@TheZooropaBaby]

+River Of Blacklights well Gibson disappointed him a while, back, so no.

[@jp_0118]

Same, I'd love an Edge Gibson Explorer. Pair that to a Vox AC30 and a delay pedal and you got it made b.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

The only reason for a signature Explorer would be the broken neck which was glued on later on. Otherwise he had no modifications on it and that is the reason for a signature guitar or bass. Still there is no John Deacon signature Precision Bass because of this reason. And as we all know: John Deacon is THE P-Bass Icon alongside James Jamerson.

[@vojtaz9518]

Just buy korina wood explorer i can't even afford fender i have a chineese squier for 2 years

[@SetFire2TheNightSky]

@Harry Dickus Yeah but, finding an actual '76 Explorer in '20 that has no major setup issues, banged up to hell and/or not being sold for an arm and a leg price? *_THAT'S_* the real trick now, isn't it?

[@darionroberts]

The Edge's creativity has shaped how I play and use effects when playing guitar. And I love his part writing.

[@lukeowen2265]

#FenderProSweepstakes U2 is my favorite band and The Edge is the reason I first picked up a guitar. He has a unique style and flavor and that was something I wanted to emulate. His use of delay and reverb to create ambient music like on "the unforgettable fire" album never cease to inspire me.

[@Alrowe13]

The edge's use of dotted eigth delay inspires me so much! Love his delay tones, and they've really inspired me to get creative with my delays

[@MariaPratiwiU2]

I love you Edge! Your guitar sound is awesome

[@MariaPratiwiU2]

Whatever or whoever he is, I love him and U2 forever

[@leereddy6295]

+DMC 12 Yes he is 😂

[@bubbaluvv]

The praise to Rory was all I needed to hear

[@howardshillingford6363]

I love it @0:20.Pure Edge Harmonics.

[@mikeboschert1322]

He's inspired me to never give up with my writing and to always look forward to the next greatest riff.

[@lawfreefly]

It is a recreation of the Strat he used as early as the Red Rocks Show; 78'-77' with DiMarzio pickups tuned to either D or F sharp. I am such a fan. Saw them in 1982 in Chicago and it changed my life and my guitar influence. Thanks Edge.

[@sayonarachops]

The edge rhythmic style was one of the first I ever loved, my father and brother introduced me to U2 and the Edge introduced me to the world of guitars. The way he distorts the guitar natural sound and turns it into a completely different experience. Mysterious is the perfect example of what i'm talking about, and that's exactly what I shoot for

[@BoneNode]

this guy is great, especially the way he uses amazing technique and pedals to make dreamy and amazing sounds such as in Where The Streets Have No Name

[@TheLeonleonard]

Being from Dublin U2 and the edge have had a massive impact on me musically . Edge has always produced incredible riffs and something I aspire to recreate . Hopefully with the right guitar I'll get there

[@Bairdogg]

Edges distinctive use of pedals to craft a unique sound really inspires and drives new tones and riffs out of me. Whenever I hit a dry spell of riffs The Joshua Tree and other albums always brings new ideas or things to try.

[@Studio2770]

The Little Things that Give You Away and that snippet at the end sound lovely.

[@jas_bataille]

Here's a message to all of Edge's detractors : Try to play like he does with the delay, or with a slide cut to a third of it's length, like he uses sometimes. One minuscule misstep and the entire rig is gone for at least two bars or something...! It takes phenomenal control to play the way he does it. A lot of virtuoso shredders don't have even close to this discipline - especially on a strat but he plays a lot of different guitars of course. He's as much a produced person, a DIY innovator of sound and a guitar player. Just because you don't understand or think he's "making up" for lack of abilities... I mean that's absurd. I myself do not like to use a delay and I use a very minimal pedal board. I like SRV, Johnson, Gallagher, Hendrix, Page, Beck just as much as him. But he is fucking unique. Do one does something in that style. That's what I love. At the end of the day, we *play* the guitar. Are kids judging each other for the way they play?! We're nothing but grown up kids playing grown up toys... all of us!

[@thedude-jb7wx]

Singing to the choir brother. Dont listen to guitar players opinions is my advice. Guitar players have a shitty ear for music. Ive tried to just get a good sound and a listener will be in guitar center pointing me out while their friend says now hes maybe been playing for 3 years while theyre check out stupid Animals as Leaders hacks lol Or their gfs are watching me play something nice and wonder why their gf are more impressed with me then their metal shred. The Edge is one of the best SOUNDING SOUNDING guitar players ever.

[@rodneytod7141]

Who in their right mind be a detractor of Edge? He’s among the greatest players ever, with a unique tone nobody had until he came along.

[@Rikk_Klaww777]

Um...not all shredders mate.! I agree with what you say in regards to his style and "technique"....but also playing many U2 songs in covers/corporate bands (which U2 seems the most requested) does take "extra extra care and concentration i.e locking in with the delay and song" combined with skill. As an old bloke "shredder" and still am to this day and in an era growing up in the glam hair metal days and wanting to be the fastest "MOST ARTICULATE" speed picker and quickest on the land...lol its not shredders that should be "singled or spotted out". And the so-called SHREDDERS who do shitcan and make all of us older "appreciative to anything related to the guitar" look like we real shredders are arseholes, those one's are they really competent on the fretboard..? C'mon now are they really.!!! Any style and playing of the guitar should be celebrated not ridiculed or mocked or certain genres singled out.! We ALL SHARE A PASSION AND LOVE...The guitar..😎👍🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@iansnyder274]

He is one of my heroes for guitar for sure....his sense of rhythm gets overlooked by some ....not by me. I saw them at MSG on the unforgettable fire tour. His tone and playing were COLOSSAL and he duplicated everything live! He is one deep cat for sure. He is like a shaman on those early recordings with the delay. It's not just about shredding ! His sound and playing have taken millions to very beautiful places. Growing up as an aspiring guitarist, me and my best bud used to marvel at how he even thought of that stuff!!!! Incredible and deserves all the accolades, credit and more. Rock on Edge....you da man!

[@alanleemaxwell831]

Absolutely brilliant analogy! Well said and bravo!! 👍

[@Alfgunnarp]

Edge baby!!!!!

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Love everything about this. Especially the *new* sounds the Edge is teasing us with here.

[@CMTSUBR500]

The quiet and melancholic solo Edge is playing at 2:20 is epic. Hope it will make it to the next album. The Edge is like Hendrix to me. Bullet the blue sky (Zoo TV, 1993), Love is blindness (Zoo TV, 1993) Until the end of the world, Acrobat, Please and many other songs. He has put some of the most unforgettable solos and riffs that always make me want to go back to listen to them even after listening to them like a million times.

[@wezum]

Actually at 2:20 he is playing stuck in a moment you cant get out of :P

[@Studio2770]

Like RaiX2146 said, Stuck in A Moment which is on the All That You Can't Leave Behind.

[@NicolasVanhove]

Hahaha

[@cmac__774]

Edge has inspired my guitar playing as his riffs and technique which he showed through all U2's albums were amazing! He has created some classics over the years and continues to strive in 2017, what a great guitarist! #FenderProSweepstakes

[@ax_el_alvarez]

"I hope that if I do inspire someone is to do something that I'm not doing..." one of my favorite guitar players since I was 8...

[@jojojo5179]

the edge's philosophy that notes are sacred, valuable and should be used sparingly has influenced my playing hugely!! using effects to add those little sparkly moments in the right places can transform songs and turn them stratospheric - it makes them soar! I just wish I was as gifted at placing them in my songs as the Edge!!

[@santi_alvarez]

Daaaamn that riff at the end is insane!!

[@HeitorMDE]

I'm still hoping them to make this song real

[@janniks2998]

@@HeitorMDE Maybe they'll come back to it on the next album.

[@michaelbonade4667]

edge has always sounded like the equivalent of a lead and rhythm player in one...whether live or off an album track

[@djangomaxfield]

I love this, I wish one day I could even mimic this. its phenomenal

[@mattlatorre9084]

Now I know that there are guitarists out there with a lot more technical skill, but The Edge will always be my favorite. Maybe it's everything he has put into U2 (my favorite band of all time) or maybe it's just the sheer array of sounds that he can pull out of his chosen instrument. Whatever it is, there's something about his guitar playing that cannot be matched for me.

[@nietzsche688]

+Matthew LaTorre Mate, when people ask me why do I like Edge's playing when there are dozens of gifted guitarists out there I simply tell them: Edge is the kind of musician that can write an inmortal riff, a riff that will be in your head for decades, with just 6 notes. He doesn't need to play them faster than anyone; he doesn't need to know every scale the world knows; he may only know 6 notes and yet he could write a song with those and I bet you it would be an instant U2´s classic. Edge is to me like MASTER David Gilmour: you can definitely tell who's playing the guitar when you hear a song through a small radio in a crowded street. And they don't need to be fast. You could listen to Animals As Leaders all day long, but you won't remember a single riff after all. And music was made to make you feel and remember the day when you first listened to it.

[@guitarwhores753]

I hate when people shit on players because they're not technical virtuoso's. If everyone played the same, it would get real old, real fast. I'd rather listen ti someone who can write good tasteful songs than someone who only plays 100 miles an hour.

[@jcomshaw]

+Gabo Palacios you compare David Gilmore to a hack guitarist.

[@richardharrold9736]

The Edge and David Gilmour play in very similar styles, just that The Edge strips it right back and goes for the utmost in simplicity. It serves his musical style very well.

[@CMTSUBR500]

The Edge playing Bullet the blue sky 2:00 minute solo in Sydney in 1993 complete with wah-wah pedals is one of the most brilliant and original guitar solo I have ever heard. It was inspired by blues solos and reminded me of Jimmy Hendrix. Being a Pink Floyd fan and a huge fan of the live comfortably numb solo from the Pulse DVD I have, the Edge is a genius and no one can take it away from him no matter what the haters say. He is ranked in the top 20 or top 40 of all of the guitar publications. He was ranked #14 by LA Times Music. Much higher than David Gilmour.

[@AudioReplica2023]

Fender guitars are kinda mysterious in the sense of tonality. They can sound beautiful, aggressive, dirty. Ive been a fan of the fender sound for so long without knowing it. From the funky sound of MJ to the Rock alternative of Pearl Jam and sweet blues sound of Eric Clapton. Just love it.

[@dervogelselbsterkenntnis7730]

The Edge: The Bob Ross of Rock and Roll.

[@justincredible.]

Later when I grow up I wanna be Edge's guitar!

[@adamjeffers8503]

The edge has taught me that every piece of gear that you use can be musical if you make it. The way he explains his delays in "it might get loud" is what made me want to learn to play electric guitar, and not just play acoustic guitar. He is the reason that I bought my first strat, and the reason that I want to one day have an american strat. #FenderProSweepstakes

[@patrickjlyons]

good man edge..look forward to hearing some new stuff soon.

[@mbgames73]

Edge has got great tone. I’ve heard these Edge 70’s strats are really nice from someone who has one.

[@hondasuvfan5588]

I'm saving up for one!

[@ericshivvers1789]

Happy Birthday Edge! Hope 55 is great!

[@djangomaxfield]

I'm a huge fan of this, in all my songwriting I try and mimic this

[@thegeekyu2fanawesomeness571]

EXITED FOR SONGS OF EXPERIENCE

[@AtomicPeace]

The last song in the video sounds amazing.

[@harrymartin3844]

his use of delay and the emotional wall of sound it creates is absolutely timeless, definitely inspired me to make the most of using just one guitar in a song! #fenderprosweepstakes

[@ricopaulson1]

Someone get that man a Vox! I love Fender amps but a Fender + Vox combo have a magical sound, and this guy knows how to work that magic.

[@ismaelvillarreal5136]

The edge guitar sound is great luv it

[@inherentmusic]

He inspires me because he does things so differently, on the guitar, than my what my personal natural idea of playing is. Learning his stuff forces me to delve into different places in my own brain and ultimately different places on the guitar. Such a unique sound. #fenderprosweepstakes @fender

[@oftherosemusic]

The Edge has inspired my guitar playing tremendously by putting value into experimentation with tone through the amp and guitar and different chordal voicings in order to create a more unique and memorable sound to anything I play. The Edge inspired me to not be scared of being out of the box because how else can insane riffage be made?

[@HeitorMDE]

I'm just waiting for this song, played on the final part of the video, on SOE, but it's not on the first 15 tracks on the main CD. I got sad about this :(

[@anthonysclafani3963]

Heitor MDE reminds me of an early version of American soul

[@bufferson]

I was going to say seeing the Edge with a black stratocaster reminds me of the New Years Day guitar, but in that video his strat has a rosewood board!

[@frederickkrug5420]

Edge seems like a cool guy

[@AlexFarleyMusic]

That's a cool Angels & Airwaves riff he's playing at the beginning.

[@fosters027]

I sold my 56 Custom Shop yesterday cause i wanted the new Custom Shop Journeyman. So today, I went to a music shop and sat in a sound proof room with the Journeyman, an American Elite and one of these bad boys - all played through a new Fender Edge Deluxe amp... I kid you not, this guitar blew my mind - so I bought it instead of the CS!! think I'll put the left over cash towards the amp!! I highly recommend this guitar.

[@lt.reubenrozeyt5716]

I don't know why people critize his playing. Saying things like "He hides behind his effects" Like Dude almost every guitarist used effects as part of their signature sound Tom Morella uses a hundreds of effect and wackey sounds and yet his worshipped as a guitar hero The Edge is one of the greatest guitarist to exist.

[@luieu2]

Love The Edge!!!!!

[@Siraf04]

FENDER SWEEPSTAKES The edge inspired me to play with more clean delays he uses like the one at the start of Where the Streets Have no Name. I also liked him in the documentary "It Might Get Loud" (which I highly recommend)

[@surfman88]

Nice licks at the end! Im in for this sound

[@matthewkenney6579]

Awesome! U rock Edge!

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I am so fucking excited for this, man.

[@joseph8896]

The Edge inspired me to buy a Fender Stratocaster and learn guitar. "New Years Day" remains one of my favorite songs ever. #FenderProSweepstakes

[@jc6594]

Happy 55th Birthday The Edge

[@supertrampo6970]

Awesome!

[@revolutionunderground]

BEST. SOUND. EVER!

[@jaapvander3787]

there are now many videos about the Rolling Stone best 250 guitarists. The Edge belongs in the top 5

[@Longrangetargets]

RORY is one of the best strat players of all time

[@flinchey6962]

Thank You Keith Levene

[@matthazelby506]

It's amazing how the Edge can get his hair to look like a beanie hat,everytime! Anyone would think he's bald or something.

[@HarryKenyon]

I’ve always liked edges approach to being an architect of sound. Many criticize his playing, but it’s not a marathon. It all comes down to soundscape for the songwriting and what works for the song. Does he need to shred? No, can he, yes. He has modified his playing to work for his style and he can play. Take a song like one which doesn’t rely solely on 3 memory man pedals or whatever. It has the raw emotion that can be felt.

[@Eric_DiRisio]

I played one of his signature guitars the other day, not bad for a 70's as much as I love the 50's and 60's strats

[@Eric_DiRisio]

well I think in any defense a guitar has to be setup properly, I have tried out many beautiful guitars that I thought were terrible at first because some kid at guitar center didn't have a clue what he was doing setting up the thing. but Feel, weight, size, material, craftsmanship, and setup is huge to how any instrument plays.

[@privateledbetter]

The Edge said every piece of the guitar contributes to its tone. So you know this guitar is a piece of craft. He has inspired me to treat the guitar as more than a guitar and more like an appendage. Don't conform. Be the edge.

[@curly_wyn]

Well yeah, he’s only as good as the equipment he works with.

[@williampayne7678]

I own a Mexican made Fender Sartacaster which I love ❤️ Rory Gallagher was a Awesome Guitarist.

[@alaneduardoarr7423]

The Edge el mejor rockero Irlandés.

[@Charlotte-jw4hn]

After watching 'It Might Get Loud' The Edge inspired my playing. #FenderProSweepstakes

[@jayb6217]

It has a great sound.

[@TheIrishFreds]

The edge inspired me with the way that he doesn't need huge and heavy playing to make song rock, With tasteful effects and style you can create an atmospheric wall of sound. #fenderprosweepstakes

[@FASTPISTOLDRAW]

I love fender guitars. Damn i wish i could buy a fender custom guitar.

[@HeitorMDE]

And that's me coming back in this video waiting for the day U2 release that song in the end of the video

[@MisterTee]

He is reasonably skilled

[@Mongoosh]

wil this guitar come with delay pedal ?

[@WarrenPostma]

yes. yes. yes. yes.

[@CraigHenryTgm]

Don't stopa rockin!

[@DylanBooker1]

The Edge and has inspired me by letting my song writing become more free, and use what sounds good to me as opposed to what should be played (guitar theory) Sound and Feeling will always sound better than me than any guy that just blazes through scales.

[@jas_bataille]

"I hope if I can inspire somebody it's to do something that's I'm not doing" WISE

[@mamengarciamartinez6951]

The edge is the best 👌😊.

[@pereztube2]

"the 70's headstocks, being wider, need a bit more wood" wow, brilliant observation there guyblow

[@hfncbsksj1063]

The Edge has inspired my own guitar playing by teaching me to be bold and play with as much good feeling as you possibly can / #FenderProSweepstakes / @Fender

[@craigusselman546]

Edge is a nice guy.

[@brettf1738]

if Songs of Experience is anything like that riff at the end it's gonna be something special. Can't wait

[@user-cc7pw8yv4w]

Nope …

[@Kingpandaification]

The Edge has inspired me to play like Michelangelo carved. There's a song in each guitar's unique voice (although I prefer a Jazzmaster to a Strat), you just have to find it.

[@benjaminlacerda]

4:25 awesome riff. I hope they put it on the album

[@LaAliciaEstrellada]

+Não sei cantar mas faço música I hope it too!!! It reminds me of TUF and War 😍

[@Schlipknot117]

while watching "it might get loud" edge taught me what you could do with pedals #fenderprosweepstakes