How to Dial In "Black & White People" by Matchbox Twenty - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Black & White People"
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 Mad Season (2000). Mad Season is the second studio album by American rock band Matchbox Twenty, released on 23 May 2000 by Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Matchless DC-30, the rig we use for Matchbox Twenty's other songs from Mad Season, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Black & White People" Tone
What guitar did Matchbox Twenty use on "Black & White People"?
The guitar on "Black & White People" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Black & White People" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Black & White People" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Black & White People" 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 "Black & White People" by Matchbox Twenty are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.