How to Dial In "A Murder of One" by Counting Crows - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "A Murder of One"
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 August and Everything After (1993). The closing track of August and Everything After, with open, jangly guitar that builds into a loose, driven finish. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a low-gain, edge-of-breakup setting and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "A Murder of One" Tone
What guitar did Counting Crows use on "A Murder of One"?
The guitar on "A Murder of One" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "A Murder of One" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "A Murder of One" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A Murder of One" 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 "A Murder of One" by Counting Crows are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.