How to Dial In "Madison Blues" by George Thorogood and the Destroyers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Madison Blues"
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 George Thorogood & the Destroyers (1977). A slide-guitar blues-rock shuffle in the Elmore James tradition. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson ES-125 through a Fender '59 Bassman LTD Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the single pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Madison Blues" Tone
What guitar did George Thorogood and the Destroyers use on "Madison Blues"?
The guitar on "Madison Blues" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-125 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Madison Blues" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Madison Blues" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Madison Blues" 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 "Madison Blues" by George Thorogood and the Destroyers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.