How to Dial In "I Was Only Joking" by Rod Stewart - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Was Only Joking"
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 Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977). Foot Loose & Fancy Free is a 1977 studio album by Rod Stewart. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Rod Stewart's other songs from Foot Loose & Fancy Free, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Was Only Joking" Tone
What guitar did Rod Stewart use on "I Was Only Joking"?
The guitar on "I Was Only Joking" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Was Only Joking" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 7. 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 "I Was Only Joking" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Was Only Joking" 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 "I Was Only Joking" by Rod Stewart are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.