Riff Tone

Baba O'Riley

The Who

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-335 (likely 1961-1964, block inlays, cherry red, as used by Pete Townshend on 'Who's Next' sessions)

AmpFender 3x10 Bandmaster Tweed (studio recording, 1971)

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain4

bass5.5

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1971. Guitar and amp confirmed for 'Who's Next' sessions by forum sources and period photos. No evidence of pedals or additional effects on the riff section. The iconic arpeggiated intro is a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ, not guitar. Guitar enters after the synth/organ intro.

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchbright and articulateopen, ringing chordspercussive strummingslightly overdriven but not saturateddynamic response to pickingclear note separationmidrange presencetight low endno audible modulation or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, energetic strumming and control of open chords at a medium-fast tempo, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex fingerings.

Sources

pete townshend's guitar tone on 'who's next' - The Gear Page Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 - What To Know & Where To Buy | Equipboard

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