Remembering
Rattle and Hum

Simplicity done well is the theme of this series. There are some very effective techniques and approaches to be gleaned from the 4 days that U2 spent at Sun Studios in October 1987.

This series explores three key songs from Rattle and Hum that showcase simple but effective chord progressions, expressive lead lines, and dynamic rhythmic textures, offering guitarists a deeper understanding of roots-inspired playing.

Exploring U2’s Rattle and Hum: The Sun Studio Sessions

I really fell in love with U2’s Rattle and Hum (1988). It was a big moment in the band’s journey, blending their signature arena rock sound with the raw authenticity of American roots music. As part of this exploration, they traveled to Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee—the legendary recording space that birthed the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.

I queued up for the LoveTown tour concert tickets the following year in Limerick, planning to camp out over night in order to get them outside Golden Disc's on O'Connell St. Sanity prevailed and the store was ordered to open at midnight, so I felt I had both demostrated my committment to U2 and got a good nights sleep. One of the aspects that had really got me excited was that BB King was on the record and now was touring with U2.

At Sun Studios, U2 recorded tracks that pay homage to blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll traditions, capturing a warm, vintage tone distinct from their stadium-filling anthems. The opening guitar on Angel of Harlem is a prime example of Rickenbacker plus Fender amp plus room reverb.

Songs Covered:

“Angel of Harlem” – Soulful rhythm and gospel-tinged chord progressions. Arranged in the key of C without and incorporating the bass line
“Love Rescue Me” – Laid-back blues-esque picking, great example of playing in time, slowly
“When Love Comes to Town” – An iconic blues collaboration with B.B. King, full of dynamic lead work and some recognisable riffs.

Bonus: “All I Want Is You” – This wasn't recorded at Sun Studios but this shimmering, arpeggiated ballad is a great example of how to layer sophistication over three chords, and it's a good entry in to looping and effects..

There's an excellent article on their time at the studios here