How to Dial In "Desert Song" by Eric Johnson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Desert Song"
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 Tones (1986). Tones is the first studio album by guitarist Eric Johnson, released in 1986 by Reprise Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Eric Johnson's other songs from Tones, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck+middle pickups together.
Common Questions About the "Desert Song" Tone
What guitar did Eric Johnson use on "Desert Song"?
The guitar on "Desert Song" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Desert Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 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 "Desert Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Desert Song" 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 "Desert Song" by Eric Johnson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.