Riff Tone

Waiting On a Friend

The Rolling Stones

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster (Keith Richards, likely 5-string open G tuning, main rhythm/riff part)

AmpFender Blackface Twin Reverb (studio recording, 1979/1980)

PickupsSingle-coil (Fender Telecaster bridge pickup, low- to medium-output)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Some Girls' sessions (released on 'Tattoo You', 1981, but recorded during 'Some Girls' era, 1978-1980). Keith Richards played the main riff on a Telecaster into a clean Fender Blackface Twin Reverb with spring reverb. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; effects are from amp only.

Tone Character(10)

clean and chimeybright and articulatewarm, round rhythm soundtouch-sensitive dynamicsopen, airy feelminimal breakupclassic Telecaster twangsmooth, intricate toneslight spring reverb ambianceno pedal coloration

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically intricate and requires precise timing and dynamic control, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or fast passages. Open G tuning may be unfamiliar to some players.

Sources

Potent Pairings: The Sound of the Rolling Stones Potent Pairings: The Sound of the Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones – Some Girls - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

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