How to Dial In "Dark Side" by Eric Church - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dark Side"
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 The Outsiders (2014). The Outsiders is the fourth studio album by the American country music singer Eric Church, released on 11 February 2014 by EMI Nashville. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G6122T Country Gentleman through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Eric Church's other songs from The Outsiders, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Dark Side" Tone
What guitar did Eric Church use on "Dark Side"?
The guitar on "Dark Side" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gretsch G6122T Country Gentleman above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Dark Side" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Dark Side" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dark Side" 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 "Dark Side" by Eric Church are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.