How to Dial In "Hello Old Friend" by Eric Clapton - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hello Old Friend"
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 No Reason to Cry (1976). No Reason to Cry is the fourth solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released by RSO Records on 27 August 1976. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Eric Clapton's other songs from No Reason to Cry, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Hello Old Friend" Tone
What guitar did Eric Clapton use on "Hello Old Friend"?
The guitar on "Hello Old Friend" (released 1976) isn't documented; the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hello Old Friend" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, 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 "Hello Old Friend" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hello Old Friend" 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 "Hello Old Friend" by Eric Clapton are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.