GuitarDistortedRiff
I Fought the Law Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Clash
The Clash · 1970s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (late 1970s, likely 1978-79, used by Mick Jones)
Pickups
Humbucker (Gibson PAF-style, stock Les Paul Standard pickups)
Amp
Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead (100W, late 1970s, likely used in studio)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
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.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- raucous and aggressive
- anarchic snarl
- tight, punchy rhythm
- staccato attack
- mid-forward British crunch
- raw and unpolished
- percussive chord strikes
- full-bodied humbucker sound
- no audible reverb or delay
- classic late-70s punk drive