How to Dial In "Jesus on the Mainline" by Ry Cooder - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Jesus on the Mainline"
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 Paradise and Lunch (1974). Paradise and Lunch is the fourth album by roots rock musician Ry Cooder, released on June 8, 1974 on Reprise Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, a common rig for this kind of sound, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Jesus on the Mainline" Tone
What guitar did Ry Cooder use on "Jesus on the Mainline"?
The guitar on "Jesus on the Mainline" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Jesus on the Mainline" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 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 "Jesus on the Mainline" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Jesus on the Mainline" 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 "Jesus on the Mainline" by Ry Cooder are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.