How to Dial In "James" by Pat Metheny Group - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "James"
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 Offramp (1982). Offramp is the third studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, recorded in October 1981 and released on ECM in May 1982. Offramp was the first Pat Metheny Group album on which Metheny used a guitar synthesizer, the Roland GR-300, but no source we found says which parts used it or names the guitar and amp on this track, so a Gibson ES-175 through a Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer, the rig we use for Pat Metheny Group's other songs from Offramp, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "James" Tone
What guitar did Pat Metheny Group use on "James"?
The guitar on "James" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-175 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "James" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, 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 "James" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "James" 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 "James" by Pat Metheny Group are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.