How to Dial In "Stay Positive" by The Hold Steady - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stay Positive"
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 Stay Positive (2008). A rousing bar-band rock anthem with big, crunchy guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Stay Positive" Tone
What guitar did The Hold Steady use on "Stay Positive"?
The guitar on "Stay Positive" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Stay Positive" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Stay Positive" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stay Positive" 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 "Stay Positive" by The Hold Steady are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.