How to Dial In "Open Country Joy" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Open Country Joy"
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 Birds of Fire (1973). Birds of Fire is the second studio album by the jazz fusion band Mahavishnu Orchestra, released on 19 January 1973 by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck SG through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Mahavishnu Orchestra's other songs from Birds of Fire, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Open Country Joy" Tone
What guitar did Mahavishnu Orchestra use on "Open Country Joy"?
The guitar on "Open Country Joy" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck SG above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Open Country Joy" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Open Country Joy" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Open Country Joy" 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 "Open Country Joy" by Mahavishnu Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.