How to Dial In "Dark Horse" by George Harrison - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dark Horse"
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 Dark Horse (1974). A hoarse-voiced, mid-tempo rock track with chiming electric guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster (Signature) through a Fender '65 Super Reverb Reissue stands in. Use the middle and bridge pickups together and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Dark Horse" Tone
What guitar did George Harrison use on "Dark Horse"?
The guitar on "Dark Horse" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Fender George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Dark Horse" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Dark Horse" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dark Horse" 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 "Dark Horse" by George Harrison are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.