GuitarDistortedRiff
Should I Stay or Should I Go Guitar Tone Settings — The Clash
The Clash · 1980s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1970s, used by Mick Jones in studio)
Pickups
Humbuckers (Gibson PAF-style, stock Les Paul Standard)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark I (paired with Marshall 4x12 cab, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1981-1982. Mick Jones used a Les Paul Standard for the main riff, plugged into a Mesa/Boogie Mark I head through a Marshall 4x12 cabinet. No evidence of pedals for the riff section; amp provided all gain. No explicit mention of effects loop or pedalboard for this song's riff. Settings estimated based on amp, genre, and era.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5
Reverb1.5
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- raw and punchy
- bright and biting
- tight and percussive
- mid-forward
- slightly overdriven
- clear note separation
- minimal sustain
- fast decay
- dry, in-your-face
- no audible modulation or delay