Song Rig
Won't Get Fooled Again
Pete Townshend · Who's Next · 1971
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Power chords through a heavily overdriven Marshall — the defining statement of hard rock rhythm guitar. Townshend played the ARP 2500 synthesiser through the PA for the famous keyboard parts; his guitar stayed aggressively distorted throughout.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson SG Special (bridge humbucker)
- 2Marshall Super Lead 100W (cranked)
- 3Pete Cornish pedalboard (various boosts)
Amp Settings
Marshall at maximum — Townshend's power chord attack requires maximum amp saturation to achieve the thick, wall-of-sound quality. The Pete Cornish board adds sustain and extra gain for leads.
Technique
How to Play It
Windmill strumming — Townshend's full-arm circular motion hits the strings with more velocity than normal picking, producing a harder, more percussive attack that cuts through at stage volume.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any humbucker guitar + Marshall-voiced amp (JCM800 sim, Boss ML-2) cranked hard. The rhythm guitar concept is simple power chords played with maximum aggression.
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