How to Dial In "Soul Surprise" by Eric Johnson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Soul Surprise"
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 Up Close (2010). Up Close is the sixth studio album by the guitarist Eric Johnson, released on 7 December 2010 by EMI Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Eric Johnson's other songs from Up Close, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Soul Surprise" Tone
What guitar did Eric Johnson use on "Soul Surprise"?
The guitar on "Soul Surprise" (released 2010) isn't documented; the Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Soul Surprise" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Soul Surprise" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Soul Surprise" 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 "Soul Surprise" by Eric Johnson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.