How to Dial In "Rain on Tin" by Sonic Youth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rain on Tin"
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 Murray Street (2002). Murray Street (sometimes written as Murray St) is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Sonic Youth, released on June 25, 2002 by DGC Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Sonic Youth's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Rain on Tin" Tone
What guitar did Sonic Youth use on "Rain on Tin"?
The guitar on "Rain on Tin" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Rain on Tin" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Rain on Tin" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rain on Tin" 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 "Rain on Tin" by Sonic Youth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.