How to Dial In "The Way We Get By" by Spoon - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "The Way We Get By"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
A stripped-down, piano-driven single from Kill the Moonlight, the Telecaster kept clean and percussive under Britt Daniel's rasp.
Common Questions About the "The Way We Get By" Tone
What guitar did Spoon use on "The Way We Get By"?
Spoon tracked "The Way We Get By" on a Telecaster (released 2002). The Fender American Professional II Telecaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Way We Get By" need?
On an AC30: Gain 3, Bass 4, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 4, 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 "The Way We Get By" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Way We Get By" 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.
What pedals are on "The Way We Get By"?
The original signal chain for "The Way We Get By" runs through Boss CE-2 Chorus. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "The Way We Get By" by Spoon are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.