How to Dial In "Life of Sin" by Sturgill Simpson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Life of Sin"
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 Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (2014). Metamodern Sounds in Country Music is the second studio album by American country music singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Sturgill Simpson's other songs from Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Life of Sin" Tone
What guitar did Sturgill Simpson use on "Life of Sin"?
The guitar on "Life of Sin" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Life of Sin" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Life of Sin" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Life of Sin" 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 "Life of Sin" by Sturgill Simpson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.