How to Dial In "American Teenager" by Ethel Cain - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "American Teenager"
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 Preacher's Daughter (2022). A slow, atmospheric gothic-Americana track with a spacious, cinematic electric guitar. No source documents the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster into a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "American Teenager" Tone
What guitar did Ethel Cain use on "American Teenager"?
The guitar on "American Teenager" (released 2022) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "American Teenager" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 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 "American Teenager" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "American Teenager" 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 "American Teenager" by Ethel Cain are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.