How to Dial In "For the First Time" by Mac DeMarco - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "For the First Time"
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 This Old Dog (2017). A track with Mac DeMarco's chorus-washed, mellow electric guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Teisco Del Rey Spectrum 5 through a Fender Champion 40 stands in. Set the amp clean and use the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "For the First Time" Tone
What guitar did Mac DeMarco use on "For the First Time"?
The guitar on "For the First Time" (released 2017) isn't documented; the Teisco Del Rey Spectrum 5 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "For the First Time" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 5.5. 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 "For the First Time" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "For the First Time" 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 "For the First Time" by Mac DeMarco are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.