Solo Tone

Don't Drag Me Down

Social Distortion

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (early 1970s, likely 1971-1973, sunburst finish)

AmpFender Bassman head (blackface, mid-60s) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1995)

PickupsGibson P-90 single coils (stock on Ness's early 70s Les Pauls)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'White Light, White Heat, White Trash' (1995). Mike Ness is documented using his early 70s Les Paul with P-90s and a blackface Fender Bassman head into a Marshall 4x12 for this album. No evidence of pedal use for the solo section; overdrive is from amp and possibly cranked volume. No chorus, flanger, or delay audible in the solo. Reverb is subtle and likely from studio room or amp spring reverb.

Tone Character(10)

thick midrange punchbiting upper midsraw, open overdrivedynamic pick attackslightly compressed sustainvintage P-90 growlarticulate single-note clarityno audible modulation or delaytouch-sensitive responseclassic punk snarl

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate-level technique with fast alternate picking, expressive bends, and dynamic control, but does not involve advanced shredding or complex timing.

Sources

Social Distortion: Punk At The Wheel - Premier Guitar

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account