Song Rig

Going Down

Freddie King · Getting Ready · 1971

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Freddie King's signature riff-based hard blues — Going Down was covered by Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, and countless others, and each version reveals something different about the original. The riff descends through the blues scale with a particular swagger. By 1971, Freddie was using a more aggressive amp setup closer to hard rock.

Signal Chain

1Gibson ES-355 or Les Paul
2Fender Dual Showman or Marshall Super Lead
3moderate overdrive

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass7

Mid7

Treble6

Presence6

More aggressive than the early Chess recordings — the 1971 era Freddie King tone is bigger and louder. Fender Dual Showman or similar large tube amp pushed for maximum sustain. The riff sits in the mid-low register and needs a full, thick tone to carry the weight.

Technique

How to Play It

The descending blues scale riff with rhythmic swagger — the feel is the defining element. The riff works because of the space between notes (slightly laid-back, not rushed), not because of technical complexity. Play the riff at 80% of your max comfort speed.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul or ES-335 → pushed tube amp (Fender Super Reverb or Marshall JCM800) → moderately gained tone. Gary Moore's version (Boss DS-1 into Soldano) is the definitive electric reinterpretation.

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