How to Dial In "Snake Oil" by Steve Earle - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Snake Oil"
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 Copperhead Road (1988). Copperhead Road is the third studio album by Steve Earle, released in 1988. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Steve Earle's other songs from Copperhead Road, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Snake Oil" Tone
What guitar did Steve Earle use on "Snake Oil"?
The guitar on "Snake Oil" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Snake Oil" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 5.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Snake Oil" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Snake Oil" 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 "Snake Oil" by Steve Earle are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.