How to Dial In "California Songs" by Local H - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "California Songs"
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 Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles? (2004). Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles? is a 2004 studio album by Local H. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Bilt Hi-Flier through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Local H's other songs from Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles?, 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 "California Songs" Tone
What guitar did Local H use on "California Songs"?
The guitar on "California Songs" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Bilt Hi-Flier 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 "California Songs" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "California Songs" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "California Songs" 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 "California Songs" by Local H are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.