Riff Tone
Dreams
Barry Goudreau
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (late 70s, likely 1978-79, as seen in period photos and interviews)
AmpMarshall Super Lead 100-watt (likely 1959 model, cranked, with Scholz Power Soak attenuator)
PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6.5
mid7.5
treble6.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
wahUnknown Wah pedal (model unknown, used as fixed mid boost)
Notes
Studio recording, 1979-1980 for Barry Goudreau's solo album. Riff section. Wah pedal used as a midrange boost (set in fixed position, not rocked). Power Soak used to allow amp to be cranked in studio. No evidence of other pedals or effects for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
midrange-forwardpunchy attackclassic British crunchtight and focusedsinging sustainaggressive but controlled distortionarticulate chord definitionno ambience or reverbwah-induced mid boostdynamic response to picking
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to the need for tight, articulate rhythm playing with a cranked amp and mid-boosted tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead work.
Sources
“We turned the Marshall up all the way, with the wah-wah and the midrange setting, and said, ‘That’s it. That’s the sound.’” In a rare interview, Barry Goudreau talks creating Boston’s smash debut and his ongoing rift with Tom Scholz | GuitarPlayerScholz Prototype Power Soak #1 ~ Owned by Barry Goudreau ~ Formerly of Boston | ReverbBarry Goudreau on his regrets about the end of Boston | Guitar World
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (late 70s, likely 1978-79, as seen in period photos and interviews)
AmpMarshall Super Lead 100-watt (likely 1959 model, cranked, with Scholz Power Soak attenuator)
PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6.5
mid7.5
treble6.5
reverb1.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
wahUnknown Wah pedal (model unknown, used as fixed mid boost)
Sources
“We turned the Marshall up all the way, with the wah-wah and the midrange setting, and said, ‘That’s it. That’s the sound.’” In a rare interview, Barry Goudreau talks creating Boston’s smash debut and his ongoing rift with Tom Scholz | GuitarPlayerScholz Prototype Power Soak #1 ~ Owned by Barry Goudreau ~ Formerly of Boston | ReverbBarry Goudreau on his regrets about the end of Boston | Guitar World
Notes
Studio recording, 1979-1980 for Barry Goudreau's solo album. Riff section. Wah pedal used as a midrange boost (set in fixed position, not rocked). Power Soak used to allow amp to be cranked in studio. No evidence of other pedals or effects for the riff section.
Tone Character(10)
midrange-forwardpunchy attackclassic British crunchtight and focusedsinging sustainaggressive but controlled distortionarticulate chord definitionno ambience or reverbwah-induced mid boostdynamic response to picking
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate skill due to the need for tight, articulate rhythm playing with a cranked amp and mid-boosted tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast lead work.