Song Rig
Janie's Got a Gun
Joe Perry · Pump · 1989
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
A dramatic, cinematic Aerosmith statement — the guitar tone on the main riff has a compressed, almost country-influenced clarity before the massive chorus arrives. The Pump album used more studio production than earlier records, and the guitar tones reflect that: cleaner, more controlled, yet hugely powerful in the chorus.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul (multiple channels)
- 2Marshall JCM800 (crunch channel)
- 3Fender clean amp (verse)
- 4MXR Phase 90 (subtle)
Amp Settings
Verse: cleaner tone from Fender amp. Chorus: Marshall JCM800 at moderate-high gain for thickness. The verse/chorus tonal contrast is integral to the song's dramatic arc. MXR Phase 90 at subtle rate under the rhythm tone for movement.
Technique
How to Play It
The iconic riff uses a bent single note against an open string pedal tone — a classic country/rock technique applied in a hard rock context. The bend is controlled and precise; the open string must ring clearly.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul → MXR Phase 90 (subtle) → Marshall JCM800 or equivalent. Alternate verse/chorus gain settings by channel switching or separate clean amp.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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