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Layla Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Derek and the Dominos
Derek and the Dominos · 1970s · blues rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Eric Clapton: 'Brownie' 1956 Fender Stratocaster (3-tone sunburst). Duane Allman: 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, serial 7 3312 (traded shortly after these sessions for a '59 'burst).
Pickups
Clapton: Strat single coils, bridge/middle. Allman: PAF humbuckers, bridge.
Amp
Clapton: Fender Champ tweed (cranked). Allman: 50W Marshall head with 4x12 cab.
Pickup Position
Bridge (Strat) for Clapton's bite; Bridge humbucker (Les Paul) for Allman's sustain
Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, August–September 1970. The descending 7-note riff is most commonly attributed to Duane Allman; Clapton's part is the harmony / main rhythm. On September 16, 1970, shortly after these sessions wrapped, Allman traded that Goldtop (plus $200 cash and the 50W Marshall head) for a 1959 'burst. No outboard pedals are documented — the song's crunch is entirely cranked tube amp distortion.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5
Gain7
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- thick crunchy midrange
- two distinct distorted voices interlocked
- Marshall stack growl (Allman)
- tweed Champ sizzle (Clapton)
- sustained, vocal-like bends
- compressed picking attack
- natural tube saturation, no pedals
- minimal plate reverb
- warm analog tape coloration
- aggressive but musical drive