How to Dial In "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" by Chicago - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hard to Say I'm Sorry"
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 Chicago 16 (1982). Chicago 16 is the thirteenth studio album, sixteenth overall by the American rock band Chicago, released on June 7, 1982. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Chicago's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch, since the song is a soft ballad, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" Tone
What guitar did Chicago use on "Hard to Say I'm Sorry"?
The guitar on "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" 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 "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" by Chicago are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.