How to Dial In "Goodnight Elisabeth" by Counting Crows - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Goodnight Elisabeth"
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 Recovering the Satellites (1996). Recovering the Satellites is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Counting Crows. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Counting Crows' other songs from Recovering the Satellites, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Goodnight Elisabeth" Tone
What guitar did Counting Crows use on "Goodnight Elisabeth"?
The guitar on "Goodnight Elisabeth" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Goodnight Elisabeth" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, 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 "Goodnight Elisabeth" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Goodnight Elisabeth" 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 "Goodnight Elisabeth" by Counting Crows are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.