Riff Tone
Ridin' the Storm Out
REO Speedwagon
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 1950s model, as used by Gary Richrath on studio recordings of this era)
AmpMarshall JMP 2104 50W 2x12 Combo
PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1973. Gear confirmed for Gary Richrath during this period via Equipboard and forum discussions. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; distortion is amp-driven. Settings estimated based on typical Marshall JMP usage for classic rock in the early 1970s.
Tone Character(10)
British-voiced midrange punchAmp-driven saturated crunchThick, harmonically rich power chordsSlightly compressed attackSinging sustain on chordsClassic rock overdriveTight, articulate rhythmAggressive bridge pickup biteMinimal ambienceNo modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff is built on classic power chords and requires tight, aggressive picking and muting, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
Sources
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Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 1950s model, as used by Gary Richrath on studio recordings of this era)
AmpMarshall JMP 2104 50W 2x12 Combo
PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb2.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1973. Gear confirmed for Gary Richrath during this period via Equipboard and forum discussions. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; distortion is amp-driven. Settings estimated based on typical Marshall JMP usage for classic rock in the early 1970s.
Tone Character(10)
British-voiced midrange punchAmp-driven saturated crunchThick, harmonically rich power chordsSlightly compressed attackSinging sustain on chordsClassic rock overdriveTight, articulate rhythmAggressive bridge pickup biteMinimal ambienceNo modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff is built on classic power chords and requires tight, aggressive picking and muting, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
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