How to Dial In "The Root" by D'Angelo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Root"
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 Voodoo (2000). Voodoo is the second studio album by American musician D'Angelo, released on January 25, 2000, through Virgin Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for D'Angelo's other songs from Voodoo, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Root" Tone
What guitar did D'Angelo use on "The Root"?
The guitar on "The Root" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Root" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 5, Presence 4, 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 "The Root" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Root" 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 "The Root" by D'Angelo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.