How to Dial In "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" by Steppenwolf - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam"
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 The Second (1968). The Second is the second studio album by Canadian-American rock band Steppenwolf, released in October 1968 on ABC Dunhill Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Steppenwolf's other songs from The Second, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" Tone
What guitar did Steppenwolf use on "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam"?
The guitar on "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" (released 1968) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 8. 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 "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" 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.
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Tone references for "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" by Steppenwolf are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.