Song Rig
When My Train Pulls In
Gary Clark Jr · Blak and Blu · 2012
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Clark's heaviest Blak and Blu tone — slow, grinding blues with full Big Muff engagement through the Super Reverb. The semi-hollow ES-335 feeds the fuzz more warmth and bloom than a solid-body guitar would, producing a tone that is simultaneously heavier and more musical than standard fuzz-into-amp.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson ES-335 (neck pickup)
- 2Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (full sustain)
- 3Fender Super Reverb (pushed)
Amp Settings
Heavier, more bass-forward setting than Ain't Messin 'Round — the slow blues tempo needs physical weight. Big Muff at full sustain, neck pickup for maximum warmth. Very low treble and presence to avoid harshness on sustained notes.
Technique
How to Play It
Slow bends held fully to pitch and beyond — Clark pushes notes a full step and a half in some passages, using the Big Muff's sustain to hold the bend through multiple beats. The physical strength required for wide bends on heavy strings is a significant part of the technique.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Semi-hollow guitar + Big Muff Pi at full sustain into any Fender-style amp with bass boosted. The neck pickup and heavy bass EQ are non-negotiable for the characteristic low-mid weight of this tone.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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