How to Dial In "Small Axe" by Bob Marley & The Wailers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Small Axe"
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 Burnin' (1973). Burnin' is the sixth album by Jamaican reggae group the Wailers (also known as Bob Marley and the Wailers), released in October 1973. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Bob Marley & The Wailers' other songs from Burnin', stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Small Axe" Tone
What guitar did Bob Marley & The Wailers use on "Small Axe"?
The guitar on "Small Axe" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Small Axe" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 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 "Small Axe" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Small Axe" 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 "Small Axe" by Bob Marley & The Wailers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.