How to Dial In "I'm the Ocean" by Neil Young - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I'm the Ocean"
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 Mirror Ball (1995). Mirror Ball is the twenty-third studio album by Canadian-American musician Neil Young, and features members of American rock band Pearl Jam. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe, the rig we use for Neil Young's other songs from Mirror Ball, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I'm the Ocean" Tone
What guitar did Neil Young use on "I'm the Ocean"?
The guitar on "I'm the Ocean" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (R4) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I'm the Ocean" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, 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 "I'm the Ocean" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I'm the Ocean" 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 "I'm the Ocean" by Neil Young are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.