Riff Tone

Can't You Hear Me Knocking

The Rolling Stones

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (1959 or 1958, likely sunburst, used by Keith Richards)

AmpAmpeg SVT (studio, as per Stones' 1971 sessions; some sources suggest Fender Twin or Marshall, but Ampeg SVT is most cited for Sticky Fingers era rhythm)

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass6.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1970 (Sticky Fingers sessions). Keith Richards played the main riff on a Les Paul Standard through an Ampeg SVT head and 8x10 cab, no confirmed pedals. Pickup selector likely on neck for warmth. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothedge-of-breakup crunchfat and punchyslightly compressedopen and dynamicclassic rock rhythmtouch-sensitive responserich midrangenot overly distortedorganic sustain

Difficulty

The riff requires solid timing, dynamic muting, and groove to lock in with the band, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast runs.

Sources

Digging Deeper: The Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers' - Premier Guitar Can't you hear me Knockin! I need answers. : r/rollingstones - Reddit [QUESTION] What amp should I get for a Keith Richards/Ronnie ...

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