How to Dial In "Once You Get Started" by Rufus - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Once You Get Started"
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 Rufusized (1974). Rufusized is the third studio album by funk band Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan, on the ABC Records label in 1974, their second album release that year. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Rufus' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Once You Get Started" Tone
What guitar did Rufus use on "Once You Get Started"?
The guitar on "Once You Get Started" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Fender Player Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Once You Get Started" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Once You Get Started" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Once You Get Started" 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 "Once You Get Started" by Rufus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.