How to Dial In "Jesus Christ" by Big Star - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Jesus Christ"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Third/Sister Lovers (1978). Third (also known as Sister Lovers) is the third studio album by American band Big Star, recorded in 1974 and first issued in 1978. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired, the nearest rig we use for Big Star's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Jesus Christ" Tone
What guitar did Big Star use on "Jesus Christ"?
The guitar on "Jesus Christ" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Jesus Christ" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Jesus Christ" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Jesus Christ" 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 "Jesus Christ" by Big Star are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.