Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

Miguel -

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

[email protected]

Thanks!!!!