How to Dial In "Mercury in Retrograde" by Sturgill Simpson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mercury in Retrograde"
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 Sound & Fury (2019). Sound & Fury is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, released through Elektra Records on September 27, 2019. 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 Sturgill Simpson's other songs from Sound & Fury, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Mercury in Retrograde" Tone
What guitar did Sturgill Simpson use on "Mercury in Retrograde"?
The guitar on "Mercury in Retrograde" (released 2019) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Mercury in Retrograde" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "Mercury in Retrograde" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mercury in Retrograde" 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 "Mercury in Retrograde" by Sturgill Simpson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.