Riff Tone

Carry On Wayward Son

Kansas

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s, tobacco sunburst, as seen in period video and photos)

AmpMarshall non-master volume 4-input head (likely Super Lead or JMP, 1970s era)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock 1970s Stratocaster)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1976. Evidence suggests Kerry Livgren used a Stratocaster into a Marshall non-master volume head for the riff. No evidence of effects pedals or amp-based effects on the riff section; Rich Williams stated 'I never used any effects pedals.'

Tone Character(10)

classic British crunchtight and articulate attackclear note separationslightly compressedno audible reverb or delaybright upper midspercussive rhythmdynamic pick attackvintage Stratocaster clarityno modulation or time-based effects

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, syncopated picking, fast chord transitions, and precise articulation, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

The No Amp show, Went to see Kansas last night | Page 4 Beato's look at Carry on Wayward | The Gear Page Kansas' Rich Williams Explains How Touring Is Different Today ...Kerry Livgren | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 8 times by the community

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