Queensryche - Jet City Woman - Guitar Lesson

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Queensryche - Jet City Woman - Guitar Lesson

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Classic Rock

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Empire - 20th Anniversary Edition album cover
Empire - 20th Anniversary Edition
1990 5:22
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Jet City Woman


"Jet City Woman" is a track by progressive metal band Queensrÿche, first appearing on their 1990 album Empire and released as a single in August 1991 across the US and Europe. The song blends melodic rock with the band's progressive metal sensibility, making it a rewarding study in clean, expressive guitar work. Its mix of polished rhythm playing and emotive lead lines offers electric guitarists a solid entry point into Queensrÿche's distinctive style.

  • The song comes from Empire, the album that brought Queensrÿche mainstream success and showcased a more accessible yet still progressive sound.
  • "Jet City Woman" was released as a single in both the US and European markets in August 1991, broadening the band's international reach.
  • The track is a good lesson in blending clean-toned melodic guitar with progressive metal structure, a hallmark of Queensrÿche's guitar approach.
PRS Custom 24
Guitar

PRS Custom 24

DeGarmo switched to the PRS Custom 24 to achieve warmer, more refined clean tones that complemented Queensryche's progressive rock sophistication. Its responsive pickups and sustain made it ideal for the melodic, textured passages that define songs like 'Silent Lucidity.'

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

Both Queensryche guitarists relied on the JCM800's saturated yet articulate crunch, pushing the tube power section into natural saturation for dynamic rhythm tones. This amp captured their signature blend of precision riffing and responsive high-gain aggression across 'Operation: Mindcrime' and 'Empire.'

Soldano SLO-100
Amp

Soldano SLO-100

Wilton chose the Soldano SLO-100 for its tighter high-gain response and singing lead tone that cut through dense arrangements. Its compressed sustain and controlled distortion made it perfect for Queensryche's technically demanding, soaring lead passages.

EMG 81
Pickup

EMG 81

Wilton's choice of EMG 81 actives delivered the tight low-end response and compressed sustain essential for 'Operation: Mindcrime's' heavy, articulate riffs. Its noise-free performance enabled clean palm-muting precision in their complex rhythm work.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Wilton used the Cry Baby wah for expressive lead moments that added emotional depth to Queensryche's progressive compositions. Its responsive sweep complemented his soaring, vocal-like guitar lines throughout the band's classic era.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Pedal

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

Both guitarists employed the TS9 as a boost to tighten their Marshall's front end, adding clarity to palm-muted rhythm tones without sacrificing warmth. This subtle stacking approach kept their high-gain rhythm work articulate and controlled within Queensryche's complex arrangements.