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rhythm guitar from “long train runnin'” by the doobie brothers | ToneDB

long train runnin'

the doobie brothers

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, percussive, and funky rhythm guitar tone defined by its distinct 'chucking' quality and rhythmic wah pedal. It's clean, articulate, and provides a driving rhythmic foundation for the song.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul (e.g., a late 1960s/early 1970s model like a Custom or Standard, often using the bridge pickup for brightness)

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface era)

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Wah pedal (e.g., Vox V846 or Dunlop Cry Baby, rocked rhythmically)

Other: Amp set for a clean tone with good headroom, possibly higher treble/presence. Close microphone placement on the amp speaker.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in 1973 at Warner Bros. Studios, North Hollywood, CA.
  • Produced by Ted Templeman, who favored clean Fender amp sounds and capturing dynamic performances.
  • The signature 'chucking' or 'chanking' rhythm guitar style is central to the song's groove, created by guitarist Tom Johnston.
  • A wah pedal is actively used, synchronized with the strumming pattern to create the characteristic 'wacka-chacka' effect.
  • The main rhythm guitar part was likely double-tracked to create a fuller, wider sound in the mix, a common production technique used by Templeman.

Recreation Tips

  • Use the bridge pickup on a guitar with humbuckers (like a Les Paul) for authentic bite, or a bright single-coil guitar (like a Stratocaster on bridge/middle position) as an alternative.
  • Set your amplifier for a clean, bright tone with plenty of headroom. Fender-style amps (e.g., Twin Reverb, Deluxe Reverb) are ideal. Boost treble and presence if needed.
  • The wah pedal is crucial: rock it back and forth in time with your 16th-note strumming pattern. Experiment with the sweep range to find the sweet spot that emphasizes the 'chacka' sound.
  • Master the 'chucking' technique: apply light pressure with your fretting hand to sound the chord, then immediately lift off or relax pressure to mute the strings, creating a percussive, staccato effect.
  • Use a pick that allows for articulate and snappy strumming; a medium gauge pick often works well.
  • Practice a consistent 16th-note down-up strumming pattern. The muted 'chucks' often fall on the upbeats or in between main chord strums.
  • Consider subtle compression (plugin or pedal) to even out the dynamics of the percussive playing and help the guitar sit well in a mix.

Sources