How to Dial In "Louise" by The Black Keys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Louise"
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 Delta Kream (2021). Delta Kream is the tenth studio album by American rock duo the Black Keys, released through Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records on May 14, 2021. Delta Kream is an album of hill country blues covers, and this track is a cover of Johnnie Temple's "Louise"; R. L. Burnside's guitarist Kenny Brown plays on the album. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Guild S-100 Polara through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe, the rig we use for The Black Keys' other songs from Delta Kream, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Louise" Tone
What guitar did The Black Keys use on "Louise"?
The guitar on "Louise" (released 2021) isn't documented; the Guild S-100 Polara above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Louise" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Louise" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Louise" 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 "Louise" by The Black Keys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.