GuitarCleanRiff80% confidence
What Cha' Gonna Do for Me Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan · 1980s · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Unknown (likely Fender Stratocaster or similar single-coil guitar, based on era and genre conventions)
Pickups
Single-coil pickups (model unknown)
Amp
Unknown (likely Fender Twin Reverb or similar clean amp, based on era and genre conventions)
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle) or Position 2 (bridge + middle) for quack/funk tone (estimated)
No direct sources specify the exact guitar or amp used on the studio recording of 'What Cha' Gonna Do for Me' riff section. Chaka Khan is a vocalist; the guitarist is uncredited in sources. Gear inferred from typical session gear for early 1980s funk/soul studio recordings. Studio recording, 1981.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain3
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- clean and glassy
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- snappy attack
- minimal sustain
- clear note separation
- dynamic response
- funky rhythmic feel
- no audible distortion
- studio-polished
Notes & Caveats
- No direct sources specify the exact guitar, amp, or pedal models/settings for the riff section of this song.
- All gear and settings are estimated based on typical session gear for early 1980s funk/soul recordings and the audible tone.
- No evidence of pedal or amp effects beyond possible light reverb; no chorus, delay, or modulation effects are audible in the riff section.
- If more specific session information becomes available, this should be updated.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff section features a clean, funky tone with slight breakup, typical of late '70s/early '80s session players using Strat-style guitars into Fender or Roland amps. The sound is mid-forward for clarity in the mix, with balanced bass and treble, moderate presence, and a touch of studio reverb for space.