How to Dial In "That's What It Takes" by George Harrison - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "That's What It Takes"
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 Cloud Nine (1987). Cloud Nine is the eleventh studio album by the English rock musician George Harrison. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Super Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for George Harrison's other songs from Cloud Nine, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "That's What It Takes" Tone
What guitar did George Harrison use on "That's What It Takes"?
The guitar on "That's What It Takes" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "That's What It Takes" 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 "That's What It Takes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "That's What It Takes" 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 "That's What It Takes" by George Harrison are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.