Song Rig
Bad Penny
Rory Gallagher · Photo-Finish · 1978
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Gallagher at his most direct — mid-paced blues-rock with a fat, midrange-heavy Marshall tone. This track showcases his SG period, which produced a slightly thicker, more aggressive sound than the Strat-based recordings.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul (late 1970s recordings)
- 2Marshall Super Lead 100W
- 3Dallas Rangemaster (occasionally)
Amp Settings
High mids setting — the Les Paul + Marshall combination with boosted mids creates the classic British blues-rock sound. Less treble than the Strat setup, more body and weight.
Technique
How to Play It
Tight, controlled vibrato on sustained notes — Gallagher's vibrato was faster and more aggressive than Clapton or Page, closer to a blues harmonica style.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Humbucker guitar (Les Paul, SG, any 2-pickup guitar) + Marshall-voiced amp or Boss Blues Driver into a clean amp.
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