How to Dial In "My Ding-a-Ling" by Chuck Berry - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "My Ding-a-Ling"
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 The London Chuck Berry Sessions (1972). A novelty singalong carried by Berry's rhythmic, double-stop guitar, taken from a live recording at the Lanchester Arts Festival in Coventry in February 1972. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson ES-355 through a Fender '59 Bassman LTD Reissue stands in. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "My Ding-a-Ling" Tone
What guitar did Chuck Berry use on "My Ding-a-Ling"?
The guitar on "My Ding-a-Ling" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-355 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "My Ding-a-Ling" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "My Ding-a-Ling" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "My Ding-a-Ling" 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 "My Ding-a-Ling" by Chuck Berry are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.