How to Dial In "Blues Before Sunrise" by John Lee Hooker - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Blues Before Sunrise"
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 Burnin' (1962). Burnin' is an album by the blues musician John Lee Hooker, recorded in Chicago on October 26, 1961 and released on the Vee-Jay label the following year. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe, the rig we use for John Lee Hooker's other songs from Burnin', stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Blues Before Sunrise" Tone
What guitar did John Lee Hooker use on "Blues Before Sunrise"?
The guitar on "Blues Before Sunrise" (released 1962) 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 "Blues Before Sunrise" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6, 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 "Blues Before Sunrise" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Blues Before Sunrise" 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 "Blues Before Sunrise" by John Lee Hooker are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.