How to Dial In "I'm in the Mood" by John Lee Hooker - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I'm in the Mood"
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 Healer (1989). A slow, hypnotic boogie built on Hooker's spare, lightly driven guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 stands in. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "I'm in the Mood" Tone
What guitar did John Lee Hooker use on "I'm in the Mood"?
The guitar on "I'm in the Mood" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "I'm in the Mood" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, 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 "I'm in the Mood" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I'm in the Mood" 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 "I'm in the Mood" by John Lee Hooker are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.