How to Dial In "Why" by Fleetwood Mac - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Why"
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 Mystery to Me (1973). Mystery to Me is the eighth studio album by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on 15 October 1973. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Fleetwood Mac's other songs from Mystery to Me, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Why" Tone
What guitar did Fleetwood Mac use on "Why"?
The guitar on "Why" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Why" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Why" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Why" 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 "Why" by Fleetwood Mac are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.