How to Dial In "Stop Breaking Down" by The Rolling Stones - Guitar Tone Settings
What The Rolling Stones Actually Used on "Stop Breaking Down"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Exile on Main St. (1972). Exile on Main St. is the tenth studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released on 12 May 1972, by Rolling Stones Records. Engineer Andy Johns told Guitar Player that "Stop Breaking Down" was a Fender Twin for both Keith Richards and Mick Taylor, with Richards on a Telecaster and Taylor on a Gibson ES-335 or a Les Paul. Taylor plays the slide, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb stands in; the exact models and knob settings are not documented. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Stop Breaking Down" Tone
What guitar did The Rolling Stones use on "Stop Breaking Down"?
The Rolling Stones tracked "Stop Breaking Down" on a Gibson ES-335 (released 1972). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Stop Breaking Down" need?
On Fender Silverface Twin Reverb: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "Stop Breaking Down" without a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stop Breaking Down" 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.
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Tone references for "Stop Breaking Down" by The Rolling Stones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.