How to Dial In "Tail Dragger" by Howlin' Wolf - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Tail Dragger"
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 Howlin' Wolf Album (1969). The Howlin' Wolf Album is a studio album by Howlin' Wolf, released in 1969. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '59 Bassman LTD Reissue, the rig we use for Howlin' Wolf's other songs from The Howlin' Wolf Album, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Tail Dragger" Tone
What guitar did Howlin' Wolf use on "Tail Dragger"?
The guitar on "Tail Dragger" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Tail Dragger" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Tail Dragger" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Tail Dragger" 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 "Tail Dragger" by Howlin' Wolf are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.