Rush is a three-man eclectic rock band that started in Toronto, Canada in 1968. Geddy Lee is the lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist, Alex Lifeson plays guitar and sings backup vocals, and Neil Peart is the drummer and lyricist. In 1974, Rush produced their first self-entitled album, Rush, containing influences of blues, heavy metal and Led Zeppelin. The most popular song, Working Man, from this album is still a huge hit with blue-collar hard rock fans. This band is best known for their rock operas, complex musical compositions and lyrics, with a touch of fantasy, science fiction and philosophical notions throughout. With a discography of over 20 albums, the most popular include Rush, 2112, Hemispheres, A Farewell to Kinds, Permanent Waves and Fly by Night.
Geddy Lee has a clear, high tenor vocal quality that many fans compare to Robert Plant, lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin. Not only does Geddy sing, he composes lyrics, plays synthesizers and a Rickenbacker Bass, but he started using the Fender Precision Bass in 1981. Geddy’s rockin’ bass licks continue to influence current bass greats such as Les Claypool of Primus and Cliff Burton of Metallica. In the beginning, Lee used two Ampeg SVTs that ran into two 215 cabinets each by Sunn and Ampeg. Later, he clarified his bass tone with Ashly preamps, but maintained a heavy sound by sending extra gain on the preamp and boosting the treble to two Thiele 215 cabinets.
Alex Lifeson used a Gibson Les Paul guitar during his early years in the 1960s and 70s. Later, he started using a backup Fender Stratocaster with a tremolo bridge to make a vibrato sound and a humbucker, which is a double pickup. For songs like Closer to the Heart, Lifeson uses a Gibson B-45 with 12-strings. He is well known for his classical, even flamenco inspired riffs with unconventional chord structures. Since Lifeson is the only guitarist, he plays in a style that includes both rhythm guitar licks and lead guitar compositions. To get his signature sound, Lifeson use pedals such as bass pedal synthesizers, a BOSS CE-1 chorus, an Electro-Harmonix Mistress flanger and a Dunlop Crybaby wah.
Neil Peart is known for being amongst the best rock drummer of all time, and is responsible for the majority of Rush’s lyrics. Peart started with Slingerland, Ludwig, then Tama drums which he arranges in a 360 degree pattern all around him in order to create an electronic drum sound at the rear, and acoustic drums in front. He uses Wuhan china and Zildjian A-style cymbals, along with tubular bells and glockenspiel for interesting effects.
To sound like Rush, it is important to replicate the falsetto quality of Getty Lee’s voice, the mystical eminence of his synthesizers and powerful slapping bass sound. Then, the unique effects produced by Lifeson’s guitar licks, and the award winning sound of Pearts acoustic and electronic percussion with effects must be mastered. Pick out small parts and practice those until they are mastered, then incorporate measures that are more intricate as the band gains practice.
Keep Rockin’!!
