How to Dial In "Do Your Thing" by Isaac Hayes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Do Your Thing"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender American Professional II StratocasterSuggested
- AmpFender '65 Twin Reverb ReissueSuggested
- EffectWahThe unit isn't documented · On the rhythm guitar
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 Shaft (1971). A long, rolling funk groove carried by wah-wah rhythm guitar chops. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Use the middle pickup and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Do Your Thing" Tone
What guitar did Isaac Hayes use on "Do Your Thing"?
The guitar on "Do Your Thing" (released 1971) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Do Your Thing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 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 "Do Your Thing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Do Your Thing" 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.
What effects are on "Do Your Thing"?
The recording has wah on it. No source names the unit behind it, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Do Your Thing" by Isaac Hayes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.