How to Dial In "Machine Gun" by Commodores - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Machine Gun"
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 Machine Gun (1974). Machine Gun is the debut studio album by Commodores, released on July 22, 1974, on Motown Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Commodores' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Machine Gun" Tone
What guitar did Commodores use on "Machine Gun"?
The guitar on "Machine Gun" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Machine Gun" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Machine Gun" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Machine Gun" 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 "Machine Gun" by Commodores are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.