How to Dial In "Song for George" by Eric Johnson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Song for George"
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 Ah Via Musicom (1990). A track with Eric Johnson's smooth, sustained lead guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Song for George" Tone
What guitar did Eric Johnson use on "Song for George"?
The guitar on "Song for George" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Song for George" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, Volume 7. 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 "Song for George" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Song for George" 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 "Song for George" by Eric Johnson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.