How to Dial In "Against the Grain" by Garth Brooks - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Against the Grain"
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 Ropin' the Wind (1991). Ropin' the Wind is the third studio album by country music artist Garth Brooks. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Garth Brooks' other songs from Ropin' the Wind, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Against the Grain" Tone
What guitar did Garth Brooks use on "Against the Grain"?
The guitar on "Against the Grain" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Against the Grain" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Against the Grain" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Against the Grain" 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 "Against the Grain" by Garth Brooks are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.