3 Rock Artists Who Accidentally Created Their Signature Sound

These three rockers stumbled upon their famous sound. Whether it was a studio mishap or a surprise tool that entirely changed the game, these happy accidents were integral to their legacy. Without these chance moments, these rock stars may never have earned their most impressive songs.

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The Kinks’ Dave Davies Slashing His Amplifier

The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” has one of the most distinctive guitar sounds of any rock song. The particular tone Dave Davies used happened accidentally. As the story goes, the guitarist was frustrated by the clean tone he was getting. He slashed his amp out of frustration, which ironically was the key to getting the buzzy, gritty sound that ended up in the final version of this song.

Eventually, tools would be made to help guitarists achieve the same fuzz, but at the time, Davies was a true innovator. It earned The Kinks their signature hit, with a little help from fate.

Keith Richards Tests a Fuzz Pedal

Speaking of gritty accidental guitar tones, Keith Richards also stumbled upon the famous sound of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”. The Rolling Stones member originally conceived the song’s titular riff for a horn section. But to get his initial idea across, he plugged into a fuzz pedal and played it on guitar. Everyone in the room loved the sound, leading Richards to abandon the horn idea.

The particular guitar tone in this Stones song became a part of Richards’ legacy. The horn version of this song likely would’ve been great, but I’m sure all guitarists and rock fans are happy Richards accidentally tried out this pedal. Who knows what The Stones’ sound would’ve evolved into if this song hadn’t earned as much prestige as it did?

Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” Gated Reverb

Phil Collins’ drum fill in “In The Air Tonight” is one of the most famous in all of rock music. But, surprisingly, it was somewhat of a happy accident. Collins was playing around when a reverse talkback system accidentally activated. It worked perfectly for the song, giving rise to what is now known as gated reverb.

This song is a testament to letting things unfold in the studio instead of fully relying on your creative vision. Clearly, it pays to let magic moments find you instead of the other way around.

(Photo by Doreen Spooner/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

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