Song Rig
White Room
Eric Clapton · Wheels of Fire · 1968
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Wah-filtered cream-era psychedelic blues — the wah pedal stays in a fixed "cocked" position for the intro and verse, creating that iconic filtered mid-peak rather than sweeping. When the solo arrives the wah opens up. The Marshall Bluesbreaker or Super Lead at near-full volume delivers the thick, velvet sustain.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson SG / ES-335 (bridge-neck pickup blend)
- 2Vox Cry Baby Wah (cocked position for verses)
- 3Marshall Super Lead 100W (cranked)
Amp Settings
Amp cranked — the power amp saturation is the primary gain source. Wah cocked at the mid-peak position for the verse adds the nasal, vocal quality without the sweeping motion. The long sustain notes in the solo need the amp at full tilt.
Technique
How to Play It
Hold the wah stationary in the mid-cocked position for verses — do not sweep it. For the solo, use slow, deliberate sweeps rather than fast funk-style movement.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any wah pedal cocked at the toe-down mid position into a cranked Blues Junior or JVM with gain at 8. The cocked-wah technique is the entire trick here.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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