How to Dial In "Meeting of the Spirits" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Meeting of the Spirits"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The opening track of The Inner Mounting Flame, the band's debut album, recorded in August 1971 and released that year by Columbia, with John McLaughlin writing all the music. John McLaughlin played a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck between 1971 and 1973, amplified through a 100-watt Marshall that Guitar Player listed among the 50 greatest tones of all time; a Marshall 1959 Super Lead stands in for the amp. Play the driving unison riff with a fast, fully picked attack on the bridge pickup and a hot, singing amp tone, and keep the picking hand relaxed. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Meeting of the Spirits" Tone
What guitar did Mahavishnu Orchestra use on "Meeting of the Spirits"?
Mahavishnu Orchestra tracked "Meeting of the Spirits" on a Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck SG (released 1971). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Meeting of the Spirits" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, Volume 8. 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 "Meeting of the Spirits" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Meeting of the Spirits" 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 "Meeting of the Spirits" by Mahavishnu Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.