How to Dial In "Slip Kid" by The Who - Guitar Tone Settings
What The Who Actually Used on "Slip Kid"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. Opens The Who by Numbers over a percussion loop, with the guitar entering as chopped, heavily muted chords rather than the open windmill strumming Townshend is known for — the part is closer to funk rhythm playing than to 'Baba O'Riley'. Recorded 1975 at Ramport with Glyn Johns. Townshend was on Les Paul Deluxes with mini-humbuckers through Hiwatts in this period, a brighter and tighter combination than the SG-and-Hiwatt sound of the Live at Leeds era. Keep the gain modest and the treble up: every chord is cut short by the picking hand, so the tone has to have enough attack that the stops read as rhythm. The solo is Townshend's own, not a session player's, and stays in the middle register.
Common Questions About the "Slip Kid" Tone
What guitar did The Who use on "Slip Kid"?
The Who tracked "Slip Kid" on a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (released 1975). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Slip Kid" need?
On Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Slip Kid" without a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Slip Kid" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Slip Kid" by The Who are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.