Song Rig
Blow by Blow
Jeff Beck · Blow by Blow · 1975
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The title track from Beck's landmark fusion album — clean to lightly overdriven, heavy use of the volume control and whammy bar, jazz-informed chord voicings played with fingers. The tone is warm and singing, built on the Les Paul through a low-gain Marshall. Beck's total absence of a pick means the guitar has a softer, rounder attack than normal rock guitar.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul (neck pickup)
- 2Marshall (low gain, clean-ish)
- 3whammy arm (Fender Stratocaster vintage-style)
Amp Settings
Low gain, very warm — the Les Paul neck pickup into a moderately clean Marshall with the treble pulled down creates a round, vocal quality. Beck uses his volume knob constantly to swell into notes, which requires the amp to respond to volume changes rather than clipping.
Technique
How to Play It
Volume swell with whammy bar — Beck plays a note, then swells in the volume with his pinky on the volume knob while simultaneously doing slow whammy bar vibrato. The effect is like a steel guitar or theremin. He has never played with a pick.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul neck pickup → low-gain amp → practice volume knob swells with the pinky while playing lead with other fingers.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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