Song Rig
Walk This Way
Joe Perry · Toys in the Attic · 1975
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Walk This Way's guitar riff is one of the most recognisable in rock history — a syncopated, funky approach that blurs the line between rock and R&B. The guitar tone is the standard Les Paul/Marshall combination but the riff's funk influence requires a slightly different picking approach: shorter, more staccato notes rather than the sustained power chords of typical 70s rock. The track introduced most rock audiences to the concept of funk-influenced rhythm guitar.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Standard
- 2Marshall Super Lead 100W head
- 3Marshall 4x12 cabinets
Amp Settings
Identical rig to Sweet Emotion — the Toys in the Attic sessions used a consistent setup. The funk character comes from technique rather than tone settings.
Technique
How to Play It
The riff's syncopated rhythm — where the emphasis falls on off-beats — requires the right hand to mute consistently between struck notes. The notes are short and percussive, not sustained. This is a technique challenge that differs fundamentally from power chord rock guitar.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul into Marshall at high gain. The technique is more important than tone here: practice the riff with a metronome, focusing on note length (short) and rhythmic placement (syncopated, not on the beat).
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
More from Joe Perry