How to Dial In "(Cross the) Heartland" by Pat Metheny Group - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "(Cross the) Heartland"
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 American Garage (1979). American Garage is the second studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, recorded in June 1979 and released on ECM in November 1979. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the nearest rig we use for Pat Metheny Group's other songs, stands in. Set the amp clean, with the gain barely up and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "(Cross the) Heartland" Tone
What guitar did Pat Metheny Group use on "(Cross the) Heartland"?
The guitar on "(Cross the) Heartland" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Ibanez PM200 Pat Metheny above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "(Cross the) Heartland" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 5, Presence 4.5, Volume 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 "(Cross the) Heartland" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "(Cross the) Heartland" 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 "(Cross the) Heartland" by Pat Metheny Group are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.