How to Dial In "Ghost Dance" by Patti Smith - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ghost Dance"
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 Easter (1978). Easter is the third studio album by American musician Patti Smith, and the second release where her backing band Patti Smith Group is billed, released on 3 March 1978 by Arista Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Patti Smith's other songs from Easter, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Ghost Dance" Tone
What guitar did Patti Smith use on "Ghost Dance"?
The guitar on "Ghost Dance" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Ghost Dance" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Ghost Dance" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ghost Dance" 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 "Ghost Dance" by Patti Smith are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.