How to Dial In "Viola Lee Blues" by Grateful Dead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Viola Lee 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 The Grateful Dead (1967). The Grateful Dead is the debut studio album by the American rock band the Grateful Dead, released by Warner Bros. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Guild Starfire IV ST through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Grateful Dead's other songs from The Grateful Dead, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Viola Lee Blues" Tone
What guitar did Grateful Dead use on "Viola Lee Blues"?
The guitar on "Viola Lee Blues" (released 1967) isn't documented; the Guild Starfire IV ST above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Viola Lee Blues" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Viola Lee 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 "Viola Lee 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 "Viola Lee Blues" by Grateful Dead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.