How to Dial In "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" by MC5 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)"
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 High Time (1971). High Time is the second studio album by American rock band MC5, released on July 6, 1971, by Atlantic Records, and would be the band's final studio album until 2024's Heavy Lifting. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for MC5's other songs from High Time, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" Tone
What guitar did MC5 use on "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)"?
The guitar on "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" (released 1971) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" 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 "Skunk (Sonically Speaking)" by MC5 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.