How to Dial In "The Dance of Maya" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "The Dance of Maya"
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.
A piece in odd time signatures built around arpeggios, from The Inner Mounting Flame, which was recorded in August 1971 and released that year by Columbia. JazzTimes described it as one of the more ethereal numbers, together with "You Know, You Know", that gave the band its mystique. John McLaughlin played a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck between 1971 and 1973 through a 100-watt Marshall, so a Marshall 1959 Super Lead stands in. Pick the arpeggios cleanly on the bridge pickup with a lightly overdriven amp, and increase the gain for the lead lines. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Dance of Maya" Tone
What guitar did Mahavishnu Orchestra use on "The Dance of Maya"?
Mahavishnu Orchestra tracked "The Dance of Maya" 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 "The Dance of Maya" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, Volume 7.5. 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 "The Dance of Maya" 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 "The Dance of Maya" 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 "The Dance of Maya" by Mahavishnu Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.