Rock's Most Iconic Tone: '59 Les Paul & Marshall | Friday Fretworks

A closer look at the origins of the combination of a Gibson Les Paul into a Marshall...
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Key points:
0:00 Intro
0:12 JAM!
1:22 The year is 1966
2:04 Steppin' Out
2:49 Clapton's Marshall History
4:39 The recording process
5:08 The hunt for Clapton's tone/the gear used
7:11 JAM! Tone hunting
11:50 Trend setting
12:34 JAM!
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[@AmericanGwyn]

The one-minute performance at the beginning of this video is honestly some of the most brilliant lead playing I’ve ever heard. I’ve listened to those 60 seconds several dozen times. Truly stunning, Mr. Buck.

[@metinabay6884]

Same here

[@albertsmith5327]

@@metinabay6884 I second that as well. Amazing. I've listened to it quite a bit

[@davidvan3102]

Totally agreed!

[@NickCormierMusic]

That description of 1966 was the best bit of monolog I've ever heard on this channel!

[@jock8113]

Regardles of what you play you always sound like…, well Chris Buck. You really have your own signature tone.

[@shmirginhymer1867]

That's why in my opinion, he's one of the best guitarists out there right now. There's all these guys online "shredding" and playing super fast and honestly, (although I can't do it) it doesn't impress me one bit.

[@50Something]

Agreed, it doesn't really matter what rig he plays, he just makes it sound like him!

[@Jester-Riddle]

I might say 'style' rather than 'tone' if you have no objections ...

[@jock8113]

@@Jester-Riddle True, or maybe style and tone👍

[@jtbkilmartin9110]

I love his style. Amazing.

[@karmadave]

Hey Chris. I think your setup pretty much nails Clapton's 'Beano' tone. That vintage Les Paul sounds sick and your playing sends me back to the woodshed 😃

[@ndukweiko3769]

This man's guitar playing never ceases to both amaze and depress me

[@willgoodfellow3144]

As someone with a masters in history and a publisher of history textbooks I love these rock n roll history lessons. Well researched, well presented and killer playing to boot!

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

That opening jam was just a bit more than a feeling.

[@sjazzp]

This was a great rock n’ roll lesson, very interesting as it is the foundation of a combination used by so many artists. Clapton may have started it but Chris is the new generation that delights us with incredible playing and beautiful sounds.

[@dobster5819]

This was just fantastic Chris, that guitar and your playing is out of this world. Thank you very much.

[@suzypaton1597]

wooh ! ♥

[@jasong546]

Badge from the 05 reunion show! I learned that solo note for note and it is still one of my all time favorite solos, they just rocked the song at those 3 nights!!

[@Jason.Brayshaw]

I went straight to the 2005 reunion gig on KZbin to listen to Badge after watching this episode!

[@wallqvistphotography4937]

Love your playing, it's like you're a killer singer stuck in a guitar!

[@planej6315]

It's like a slide guitar player without the slide meets gospel singer. Crazy phrasing

[@drayve8590]

🤯 this is SOOOOO true!lol Plane J is right also!! I keep trying to pick licks and phrases up from Chris, but it just sounds like a drunk guy on acid trying to play a guitar that has what looks like in an acid trip, a rubber neck.lol

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

amazing fluid phrasing, i agree with you guys..

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

most people get fooled by loads of notes, that's not music, this is.

[@tredog884]

Nothing tears my attention away from the outside world faster than hearing/watching masters play their instruments.

[@oldgittarist]

I think you've pretty much nailed it Chris. I always loved 'Bernard Jenkins' with just John Mayall on piano and Eric in a room with a single mic. It was on a sampler album called 'Raw Blues' - sounds like chamber music through a Marshall!

[@pvdmac]

Absolutely fantastic playing Chris. You have such a unique style, your playing blows me away every time.

[@caca_spaniel_1239]

10:44 Did I just see a splinter of the neck fly away??? That is worth more than gold!

[@charlesli5521]

Your playing is just phenomenal. You put so much expression in every note I literally feel it in my whole body.

[@fossilmatic]

What a great, clear demonstration of ‘that’ Les Paul sound.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Hi Chris, I think that this may be about my favorite video of yours. You make that "59/Marshall combination work for you man! Great work!

[@kevinlocke6120]

Always loved improvising over the badge chord sequence. Major and minor licks both work seamlessly. Great content as always man!

[@BAMozzy69]

Gibson LP (great HB's) straight into a Marshall inspired me to want to start playing and influences me very strongly today....

[@PHELCAN]

Dude your videos are so well made its ridiculous. Really some of the best guitar content on KZbin imo. Cheers

[@thebigeasy8609]

Mr. Buck I've been watching your videos for ages and for me this has been by far the best! I know nothing about playing a guitar, but I so love the history and the way you present it is brilliant and your guitar skills are just butter! Thank you so much.

[@Ruslanurie]

Incredible playing, Chris! As always:)

[@dr_tomK]

That was some truly amazing playing Chris.

[@munkami]

So informative, entertaining and exceptional musicianship. It's rare to hear new nuggets of knowledge when it comes to the history of rock, but you always add new and original info. You must have a sponsorship deal coming soon !

[@TraneFrancks]

Lovely. Even in the cheap seats, the LP/Marshall combination is tough to beat. I have a Les Paul Tribute and a DSL1 combo. The pair does a very good job of putting a smile on my face.

[@darrenc8776]

Bloody hell Chris. Step'in out was so good mate

[@stephenhermenze1527]

What refreshing guitar work. So good to see a guitarist who focuses on how a note is played rather than how many notes are played. You're one of the best there is!

[@JamesHartnell]

Good vid Chris - enjoyed it all - thanks.

[@spideymarino]

Just wanted to say how I’m always v impressed with your demos videos. Really professionally done and really informative. Great playing too of course! 👍. Great job.

[@thebigredwagon]

I’ve transcribed loads of Chris’s solos. I’ve thought about doing tutorials on KZbin but seems a bit cheeky somehow.

[@davidsmethurst3818]

@@thebigredwagon you should definitely put them up pal!

[@stickman55100]

Amazing dissection of Clapton’s Beano sound! That LP sounds so sweet straight into the Marshall clone. As always, your performance is stellar!

[@gypsyguitars]

Love your totally tactile approach & connection to the guitar !!!

[@nicdee316]

That outro jam...holy s#!t...that was fantastic... I love how you have such a classic, classy phrasing and tone, super inspiring and stands out in the current sea of post-fusion shreddy players. Always a blast watching you play Chris.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Outstanding video! Inspirational jam! Thanks Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@fernandes5986]

The future of British blues is safe in your hands, Chris. Thank you.

[@johnnykR9]

Your playing -and tone - are truly sublime

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Thank you, Chris Buck, you helped a great deal in my attempts to get the Clapton's Les Paul/Marshall Sound!

[@MrVersipellis]

Great vid, many thanks! You come across so well in all of these videos and for my money, you're by far the best player out of all the guys who make KZbin vids of this type. Interestingly the Rangemaster tone sounded closest to the Beano sound to me, but I'm listening to a compressed KZbin video on tiny laptop speakers so I'll take your word for it! You're right that it's much of a muchness given all the elements at play - so many great sounds from that beautiful guitar and amp in this short vid alone.

[@rustymacneil3227]

Superb episode Chris!!!

[@jacttanna2353]

Have been a subscriber for years, but consider this one of the best you've done yet. I'm not familiar with that amp, but it nailed that tone all on it's own. Great playing as usual. About 35 years ago I was fortunate enough to play through a 1962 2X12 Marshall exactly like the one Eric used. I was blown away by how loud it was and how good it sounded. It was already priced at 5K even back then.

[@alexanderdeadmansche]

Intro solo was awesome

[@msumungo]

The last bit was incredibly cool playing. Greetings from Finland :)

[@onedownfiveup9381]

I’m just past the intro and this is already the best script for a video you’ve written. And the playing…guess it isn’t bad either

[@jarojasn]

Thank you for the informative videos and great playing.

[@CO-254]

Amazing video. Great job telling the history!!!

[@davespargo5944]

Great video (as always), but that quick jam at the end, WOW!!!! Nice work buddy....

[@aaronp6426]

Well done as always!

[@gijslimonard6583]

Awesome playing Chris, great post 🙏🏻👌🏻

[@steved1099]

Loved this one Chris..."Beano" was the staple of my early years learning to play. Also.... reminds me of your recent post at shepeards Bush. Huge power and tone with the LP. Love the Badge intro....

[@johnlloyd9613]

Great show Chris. I really enjoy your guitar work. I have several Les Pauls, no 1960, and a Marshall JCM 800 full stack. Love the sound. Thanks again, Chris

[@bandk1502]

I must say Chris, I haven't watched all of your videos but i have definitely watched a bunch of them. I love your playing on all of them but this video in particular your playing, while doing Bernie's song, you nailed it Big Time. Fantastic playing.

[@vintagetone22]

you are an amazing guitarist .🎵🎸🎵🎵🎸🎸🎸

[@legomasterthe3rd240]

Such tasty playing as always. I come for the thumbnail, but have to stay to the end to hear those licks.

[@DT-ml3xv]

Cruising the Backroads (past episodes) and I ran across a jewel. "Buck & Evans I got Dreams". Awesome cover. Loved the interplay between you and the bass player. Definitely a RockN2 Remember LOL. Thanks Chris. For the rest of you folks, if you haven't you should!

[@wilkowilkins363]

You are so right ... Dom is an epic Bass and works so well with Chris.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Chris that was a wonderful tutorial. As someone who came of age in that era, there just wasn’t anything else like that combination. Cream, Mountain, Purple, Zeppelin, The Who, would love to hear your observations, of these groups through the next few years. Great ear, and attack. Regards

[@Riverdeepnwide]

So good to hear all this! I was twelve, my older brother coming home from the clubs with all these amazing albums and I remember being so disappointed when Clapton left Mayall’s group but then, Peter Green! And The Tone lived on ❤️ and then Fresh Cream and on and on for years all this incredibly wonderful music. A very good time of life.

[@guydouglas6094]

That amp! 18? .......... Man what a beautiful, quilted finish. Love your research and story telling. And great playing too! The Beano album was a guitar milestone in rock history - Clapton was very determined to have his way LOL. Enjoy your channel Chris B! Always tasty playing with a great grooves.

[@enzzthefink]

When you kicked on the TB and before you knocked back the volume; that was a killer tone IMHO. When you have a great sound the riffs and ideas just seem to flow and you can just get lost. Then again you could rock a POD and a Squire and you’d kill it. You have an amazing touch and as always , great note choice and tone.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Well blues and rock ain't gonna die if these young lads keep it alive which they are doing a fine job at. I could live with that tone for the rest of my life, can't beat an old marshall sound through an old les paul.

[@tomlew55]

So glad to see young guys keeping great music alive! A US tour in your future?

[@ROKZLEON]

A Les Paul and a Marshall for the win!!! Great playing as always man!!!

[@JesseFSegovia]

Chris, you're a treasure! Beautiful, tasteful playing as always - makes me want to grab my guitar and play! And of course, Jeff Beck, rest in peace! Thanks for all the joy and inspiration throughout the years!

[@marcofioravanti4176]

I dare to cite a guy, who wrote 2009 in a forum named "The Gear Page", that he knew the producer Mike Vernon in the early 70ies: "Well it wasn't at the Beano session but I was in the studio with Mike about 1971 (same room as Beano was recorded in though, at Decca's Broadhurst Gardens). He set up a Marshall SLP to record flat out but with just one 100 watt 4x12 - so the speakers were being pushed. The cabinet was set in the corner of the room but tilted in order that it faced the diagonal corner (at the ceiling juncture). He then set up a mic on a long boom pointing into the corner about six inches from the apex (so it is right into the corner). About six foot away (maybe less, I'm not so sure on this) from the speaker cab was another mic aimed at it. Either side of the cab were those moveable baffles about 8 foot high where the lower half is absorbant but the top half is glass - I think you can see these in the Beano session pics. Now in the room itself the sound was very loud! Through the monitors in the control room - it was like a typical "Fresh Cream" lead sound, i.e. extremely beautiful like the "Spoonful" solo off that record. Personally I think the "corner loading" of the main mic was critical (and I don't remember the mic, sorry). I just wanted to add that they would spend more time on mic placement than just about everything else! I'm trying to retain my memory of these things! Best, Pete."

[@adanturner2708]

Brilliant episode as usual

[@AlOKaneMusic]

Great video and playing Chris! Cheers

[@LPCustom3]

Cheers Chris! Nice segment on this often overdone topic. However you made it all seem so fresh/new!

[@johnlloyd9613]

Love your channel. Thanks Chris

[@michaelmiller8205]

I remember listening to that album right out of the sleeve, clean and brand new. Beano rocks.

[@ZaxbyFan]

Great playing as usual👍

[@hkguitar1984]

Fantastic content Chris Thank You

[@ItsFinished]

Top notch Chris! Great work!

[@guitarsandcheesecake1632]

Excellent video, Chris. Gotta love a Gibson les paul!!

[@msbrech]

Come for the history, stay for the smokin' playing!

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Love Clapton Bluesbreaker era. Would love some more if possible!

[@thq4941]

Thanks Chris another great yarn, awesome.

[@djt6546]

As much as a fan of your playing I can be. I do like it when you mix up the tone playing through a live signal chain. You have your spongy signature tone on your typical KZbin videos… but this video was special in that we got hear you playing closer to a live sound and not through the same computer settings. Perhaps even mix up your bread and butter tone to get different textures and a more natural expression of the different instruments you use. I feel that all the instruments and performances are getting to sound very similar and today was a breath of fresh air. Thanks for all great content in any case. Cheers

[@T3DSK1]

Hi Chris in years to come you will be the the standard people will look to play well stay well and thank you

[@Bob-Sacamano314]

Nice dude, crushed that steppin out cover

[@ipuya]

I'm not that in to vintage guitars but love to hear a master play them 🔥

[@luiso1117]

It sounds very, very good! I own five R9s, from 1994 till the recent Collectors Choice but never tried a real 1959 one. You’re quite a lucky fellow. Your playing is quite inspiring. Thank you!

[@thecoolestbookever9955]

Beautiful guitar playing.

[@unicogirone]

Notification from Chris Buck. First action: click JAM!

[@dkelban]

Great video and playing

[@scottdrumm4828]

Amazing playing Chris 🎸 🔥

[@navaho5430]

Love the jam at the end thank CB.

[@mikegray8776]

Interesting story - and a very important slice of guitar history. And as always great playing …. I could happily listen to you just noodling around for hours!! Over time, I guess the Les Paul would be my favourite guitar tone (Koss, Peter Green, Gary Moore, Warren Haynes, and especially early Mark Knopfler) - but as far as EC is concerned, I always felt his most inspiring work was with the Red 335, towards the end of the Cream era. Maybe it was the amps, maybe the recording techniques, maybe having Jack Bruce alongside him - but for me very little comes close to the live versions of I’m So Glad, Sunshine, Politician etc. Nothing, that is, until a certain Mr Knopfler picked up a Suhr, and totally redefined texture and emotion. Enjoying all your work enormously, Chris. For me, you are the most exciting new guitar talent since the 1980’s. You seem to have something of all the greats of the Blues Revival era, whilst still retaining a technique which is so identifiably your own. Thanks for re-energising great British Blues Rock again. ✊🏼

[@Ninjametal]

Amazing as always! I was stoked to see a Hello Sailor Effects Rangemaster clone. HSE makes the coolest custom pedals IMO, and I've been jonesing for one of those Rangemasters a long while. Keep up the great content!

[@billtilghman2232]

Love your playing every time!

[@alexscott7226]

Excellent as ever

[@archinsoni1254]

As I always say I watch his videos to listen him play. In Hopes of learning something.

[@OutnBacker]

Brilliant rendition of Badge. That song was my favorite for years, since I first heard it at the age of 11. Took to the drums like a duck to water because of Cream.

[@kyledonworth3845]

Some Stella playing there.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci Chris.

[@FJB-NOW]

Masterful tones and riffs.

[@G1bsonlp]

Love the Tony Adams reference! Nice one, Chris.

[@chaz__]

I grimaced the entire time you were dialling in that tone and noodling. Disgusting tone. Knocked it out of the park AGAIN, absolute class.

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

In 1966, a jazz fan classmate at university called me into his room to hear the sax intro to "Have You Heard About My Baby." It was impressive. Then the guitar solo happened and changed my life forever.

[@fawwazalishlahi8813]

crazy tone chris!

[@geoc3956]

Love that backing track

[@angrybuzzy]

Your tone is always great, CB. Your Helix tones are excellent. But this may be your best tone ever.