How to Dial In "Playin' in the Dirt" by Robert Cray - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Playin' in the Dirt"
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 False Accusations (1985). False Accusations is the third studio album by the Robert Cray Band, released in 1985 by Hightone Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Super Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Robert Cray's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Playin' in the Dirt" Tone
What guitar did Robert Cray use on "Playin' in the Dirt"?
The guitar on "Playin' in the Dirt" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Playin' in the Dirt" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Playin' in the Dirt" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Playin' in the Dirt" 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 "Playin' in the Dirt" by Robert Cray are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.