How to Dial In "Kung Fu" by Curtis Mayfield - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Kung Fu"
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 Sweet Exorcist (1974). Sweet Exorcist is the fifth studio album by Curtis Mayfield, released in May 1974. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Curtis Mayfield's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the middle pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Kung Fu" Tone
What guitar did Curtis Mayfield use on "Kung Fu"?
The guitar on "Kung Fu" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Kung Fu" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, 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 "Kung Fu" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Kung Fu" 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 "Kung Fu" by Curtis Mayfield are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.