How to Dial In "Common Mortal Man" by Free - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Common Mortal Man"
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 Heartbreaker (1973). Heartbreaker is the sixth and final studio album by the English rock band Free, released in January 1973. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (Custom Shop) through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Free's other songs from Heartbreaker, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Common Mortal Man" Tone
What guitar did Free use on "Common Mortal Man"?
The guitar on "Common Mortal Man" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Common Mortal Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Common Mortal Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Common Mortal Man" 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 "Common Mortal Man" by Free are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.