How to Dial In "Memory Pain" by Johnny Winter - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Memory Pain"
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 Second Winter (1969). Second Winter is the third studio album by Texas blues guitarist Johnny Winter, released in 1969. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Firebird through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Johnny Winter's other songs from Second Winter, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Memory Pain" Tone
What guitar did Johnny Winter use on "Memory Pain"?
The guitar on "Memory Pain" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Gibson Firebird above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Memory Pain" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, 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 "Memory Pain" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Memory Pain" 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 "Memory Pain" by Johnny Winter are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.