Day Tripper?

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:42 am

The very first intro riff: who played it and what guitarwas used?

This is probably common knowledge, but he who asks is a fool for a moment, he who does not is a fool for life.

Then again, there are no stupid questions, but the world is full of inquisitive idiots

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 6:37 am

I'd like to say that it was the SG, but I'm not sure. I'm interested to know myself, as it's the first riff I ever learned to play. Someone who knows for sure will likely chime in.

iamthebassman · Post by **iamthebassman** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 6:43 am

George. In the video he's playing a Gibson 345(?) but I don't think that's what's on the record.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:54 am

I've always thought the intro was a Casino, but the riff under the solo in the middle sure sounds like a strat to me. Did they have their strats at this point?

miguel · Post by **miguel** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:58 am

From Andy Babiuk´s great book: "The Beatles used their standard guitars for recording 'Day Tripper' in October 1965: Lennon´s 1964 Rickenbacker 325 and Harrison´s Gretsch Tennessean".
So the intro was played either with the Rick or the Gretsch.

robj · Post by **robj** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:31 pm

I dunno... the intro riff sounds like a Casino to my ears. When comparing the riff played on my Casino to what's on the record the sound is nearly identical. Casinos have their own sound going on.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 4:14 pm

sure think it's a strat in the middle...it's got that buzz. I think there's three guitars going on there...the basic riff (my strat theory), a slow single note climb, and the solo-y part.
Won't be the first time I've been way off (especially on this forum) and I don't have the CD with me to reference. But, give it a listen.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:38 pm

It could have been any of those guitars.I opt for the ES- 345 w/ varitone, only cause a few years back, I had a great 1967 345, and though at this point, I can't recall just which click setting it was[I'm thinking #4 or # 5], I did totally nail that intro tone to the wall.

miguel · Post by **miguel** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:56 pm

It could have been the ES345, but it seems that George didn´t have this guitar when 'Day Tripper' was recorded in October 1965. Regarding the Casinos, only Paul had his left handed version in October 1965. Lennon´s and Harrison´s arrived later.

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 4:24 am

That's why I suggested the SG, because I think it's more of a humbucker sound. Did he have the SG at that point?

miguel · Post by **miguel** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 4:53 am

No, Spencer. The SG arrived later too, about March/April 1966.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:23 pm

Sounds like the Gretsch to me, but what do I know I'm only the bass player.

miguel · Post by **miguel** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:49 pm

Probably it was the Gretsch, Bob. By the way... Do you know that Lennon had a beautiful 'Gretsch', with orange finish, during the 'Revolver' sessions? I have a picture, if you are interested.

gt40graham · Post by **gt40graham** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:00 am

According to a magazine article I have (Guitarist: Live 2001), it states that George used a Strat and John used his Casino. I don't necessarily accept this as fact as some of the other songs mentioned in this article have the wrong instrumentation.

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:06 am

Miguel -

Would you mind sending me the picture of Lennon and the Gretsch??

[email protected]

Thanks!!!!