Riff Tone

Aqualung

Jethro Tull

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

AmpHiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) head with matching Hiwatt 4x12 cabinet

PickupsP-90 single coil

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1970-1971. Martin Barre stated he used the Les Paul Junior almost exclusively on the Aqualung album, plugged straight into a Hiwatt amp with no pedals or effects. No evidence of live or alternate gear for the clean riff section.

Tone Character(10)

clear and uncompressedwarm and woodyarticulate and dynamicslightly rolled-off highsdirect amp soundtouch-sensitiveBritish clean characterno pedal colorationmidrange-focusednatural sustain

Difficulty

The clean riff requires tight rhythmic accuracy, dynamic picking, and precise muting to maintain clarity and articulation, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Martin Barre on Jethro Tull, Aqualung and supporting Hendrix | Guitar World 5 essential Jethro Tull songs guitar players need to hear | MusicRadar Martin Barre: how Leslie West influenced his iconic Aqualung solo | Guitar World

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