How to Dial In "China Cat Sunflower" by Grateful Dead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "China Cat Sunflower"
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.
Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics and Jerry Garcia the music for this track from Aoxomoxoa, the band's 1969 studio album. It opens on two distinct guitar riffs: Garcia plays the first and Bob Weir interweaves a second on top, which is why the song is a lesson in two guitars sharing space. Garcia played black or gold P-90 Les Pauls through 1968 and picked up a Gibson SG in 1969, but no source says which guitar is on this recording, so the rig is a suggestion. Keep the amp clean and bright so the two lines stay separate, and play the riff on the bridge pickup with a light touch. No transcription could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "China Cat Sunflower" Tone
What guitar did Grateful Dead use on "China Cat Sunflower"?
The guitar on "China Cat Sunflower" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "China Cat Sunflower" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "China Cat Sunflower" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "China Cat Sunflower" 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 "China Cat Sunflower" by Grateful Dead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.