How to Dial In "Water Underground" by Real Estate - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Water Underground"
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 Daniel (2024). Daniel is the sixth studio album by the American indie rock band Real Estate, released on February 23, 2024, on Domino. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Real Estate's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Water Underground" Tone
What guitar did Real Estate use on "Water Underground"?
The guitar on "Water Underground" (released 2024) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Water Underground" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Water Underground" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Water Underground" 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 "Water Underground" by Real Estate are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.