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Riff Tone
Baba O'Riley
The Who
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335 (likely 1961-1964, block inlays, cherry red, as used by Pete Townshend on 'Who's Next' sessions)
AmpFender 3x10 Bandmaster Tweed (studio recording, 1971)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1971. Guitar and amp confirmed for 'Who's Next' sessions by forum sources and period photos. No evidence of pedals or additional effects on the riff section. The iconic arpeggiated intro is a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ, not guitar. Guitar enters after the synth/organ intro.
Tone Character(10)
classic British crunchbright and articulateopen, ringing chordspercussive strummingslightly overdriven but not saturateddynamic response to pickingclear note separationmidrange presencetight low endno audible modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, energetic strumming and control of open chords at a medium-fast tempo, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex fingerings.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-335 (likely 1961-1964, block inlays, cherry red, as used by Pete Townshend on 'Who's Next' sessions)
AmpFender 3x10 Bandmaster Tweed (studio recording, 1971)
Amp Settings
gain4
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1971. Guitar and amp confirmed for 'Who's Next' sessions by forum sources and period photos. No evidence of pedals or additional effects on the riff section. The iconic arpeggiated intro is a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ, not guitar. Guitar enters after the synth/organ intro.
Tone Character(10)
classic British crunchbright and articulateopen, ringing chordspercussive strummingslightly overdriven but not saturateddynamic response to pickingclear note separationmidrange presencetight low endno audible modulation or time-based effects
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, energetic strumming and control of open chords at a medium-fast tempo, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex fingerings.