How to Dial In "River Runs Deep" by J.J. Cale - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "River Runs Deep"
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 Naturally (1971). Naturally is the debut studio album by J. J. Cale, released on October 25, 1971. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Fender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface), the rig we use for J.J. Cale's other songs from Naturally, stands in. Set the amp clean, with the gain barely up and use the middle pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "River Runs Deep" Tone
What guitar did J.J. Cale use on "River Runs Deep"?
The guitar on "River Runs Deep" (released 1971) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "River Runs Deep" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 5, Presence 4, 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 "River Runs Deep" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "River Runs Deep" 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 "River Runs Deep" by J.J. Cale are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.