How to Dial In "New Speedway Boogie" by Grateful Dead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "New Speedway Boogie"
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.
A track on Workingman's Dead, released in June 1970, the album on which the band turned from long psychedelic jams to compact, roots-influenced songs. Jerry Garcia's electric guitar is warm and slightly crunchy, with a bluesy, singing lead style over the rhythm section. Garcia played Gibson SG guitars in the late 1960s, but no source available here confirms the guitar and amp on this recording, so an SG through a Twin Reverb stands in. Use the bridge pickup and a clean-to-crunchy tone with a bit of spring reverb.
Common Questions About the "New Speedway Boogie" Tone
What guitar did Grateful Dead use on "New Speedway Boogie"?
The guitar on "New Speedway Boogie" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "New Speedway Boogie" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, 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 "New Speedway Boogie" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "New Speedway Boogie" 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 "New Speedway Boogie" by Grateful Dead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.