How to Dial In "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly and the Family Stone - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sing a Simple Song"
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 Stand! (1969). A hard-driving funk groove with a gritty guitar riff. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Sing a Simple Song" Tone
What guitar did Sly and the Family Stone use on "Sing a Simple Song"?
The guitar on "Sing a Simple Song" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Sing a Simple Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, 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 "Sing a Simple Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sing a Simple Song" 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
- Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly and the Family Stone · 1969
- If You Want Me to StaySly and the Family Stone · 1973
- Everyday PeopleSly and the Family Stone · 1968
- Keep Your Head to the SkyEarth, Wind & Fire · 1973
- Three From TwoKhruangbin · 2024
- Ain't Nothing Wrong with ThatRobert Randolph & the Family Band · 2006
Tone references for "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly and the Family Stone are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.