How to Dial In "Locomotive Breath" by Jethro Tull - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Locomotive Breath"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. Martin Barre's riff does not enter until after a long piano and flute introduction, which is why it lands so hard — the arrangement spends ninety seconds establishing a completely different texture first. Recorded 1970-71 at Island and Morgan in London. The track was assembled in pieces because the band could not play the shuffle convincingly as a unit; Ian Anderson recorded the drums himself, one limb at a time, and the parts were built on top. Barre's tone is a Les Paul into a cranked Marshall with the mids up and no pedals, and the riff is played with a heavy, slightly behind-the-beat swing. Keep the gain moderate so the palm-muted eighths retain their attack.
Common Questions About the "Locomotive Breath" Tone
What guitar did Jethro Tull use on "Locomotive Breath"?
Jethro Tull tracked "Locomotive Breath" on a Les Paul (released 1971). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Locomotive Breath" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Locomotive Breath" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Locomotive Breath" 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 "Locomotive Breath" by Jethro Tull are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.