How to Dial In "Waitin' in School" by Ricky Nelson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waitin' in School"
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.
Johnny and Dorsey Burnette wrote it, and Imperial released Ricky Nelson's record on 9 December 1957 as the other side of "Stood Up". It reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 12 on the country chart in 1958, and it is often cited as one of Nelson's best rockabilly records; he sang it in an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Joe Maphis played the lead guitar and the solo, before James Burton took over the lead parts on Nelson's records. No source says which guitars were used on the record or names the amps. Use the bridge pickup with the amp clean and bright, and play the fast, twangy solo with a hard pick attack. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Waitin' in School" Tone
What guitar did Ricky Nelson use on "Waitin' in School"?
The guitar on "Waitin' in School" (released 1957) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Waitin' in School" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Waitin' in School" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waitin' in School" 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 "Waitin' in School" by Ricky Nelson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.