How to Dial In "Ordinary Man" by Eels - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ordinary Man"
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 Hombre Lobo (2009). Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs of Desire is the seventh studio album by American rock band Eels, released on June 2, 2009 and is the first in a trilogy of three concept albums continuing with the 2010 albums End Times and Tomorrow Morning. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Eels' other songs from Hombre Lobo, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Ordinary Man" Tone
What guitar did Eels use on "Ordinary Man"?
The guitar on "Ordinary Man" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Ordinary Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Ordinary Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ordinary Man" 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 "Ordinary Man" by Eels are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.