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Riff Tone

I Fought the Law

The Clash

Guitarpunk1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (late 1970s, likely 1978-79, used by Mick Jones)

AmpMarshall JMP 1959 Super Lead (100W, late 1970s, likely used in studio)

PickupsHumbucker (Gibson PAF-style, stock Les Paul Standard pickups)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1978-1979, The Clash's version of 'I Fought the Law' from 'The Cost of Living' EP and US debut album. Gear confirmed for this era and recording by multiple sources. No evidence of pedals or effects used in the riff section; tone is amp-driven. No evidence of live/tour gear being used in the studio.

Tone Character(10)

raucous and aggressiveanarchic snarltight, punchy rhythmstaccato attackmid-forward British crunchraw and unpolishedpercussive chord strikesfull-bodied humbucker soundno audible reverb or delayclassic late-70s punk drive

Difficulty

The riff is based on straightforward power chords and punk strumming, but requires tight timing and aggressive attack for the classic punk energy.

Sources

The 20 greatest guitar cover versions

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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Guitarpunk1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (late 1970s, likely 1978-79, used by Mick Jones)

AmpMarshall JMP 1959 Super Lead (100W, late 1970s, likely used in studio)

PickupsHumbucker (Gibson PAF-style, stock Les Paul Standard pickups)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Sources

The 20 greatest guitar cover versions

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

Notes

Studio recording, 1978-1979, The Clash's version of 'I Fought the Law' from 'The Cost of Living' EP and US debut album. Gear confirmed for this era and recording by multiple sources. No evidence of pedals or effects used in the riff section; tone is amp-driven. No evidence of live/tour gear being used in the studio.

Tone Character(10)

raucous and aggressiveanarchic snarltight, punchy rhythmstaccato attackmid-forward British crunchraw and unpolishedpercussive chord strikesfull-bodied humbucker soundno audible reverb or delayclassic late-70s punk drive

Difficulty

The riff is based on straightforward power chords and punk strumming, but requires tight timing and aggressive attack for the classic punk energy.

Create Free Account

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