How to Dial In "Hand Clapping Song" by The Meters - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hand Clapping Song"
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 Struttin' (1970). Struttin' is the third studio album by the funk group the Meters. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The Meters' other songs from Struttin', stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the middle and bridge pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hand Clapping Song" Tone
What guitar did The Meters use on "Hand Clapping Song"?
The guitar on "Hand Clapping Song" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hand Clapping Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 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 "Hand Clapping Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hand Clapping Song" 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 "Hand Clapping Song" by The Meters are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.