How to Dial In "Music Must Change" by The Who - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Music Must Change"
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 Who Are You (1978), a jazz-tinged track in 7/4. No source documents Pete Townshend's guitar and amp on this song, so a Les Paul Deluxe into a Hiwatt DR103 stands in, a 70s pairing. Keep the gain low, almost clean, with the neck-friendly warmth the Hiwatt gives. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Music Must Change" Tone
What guitar did The Who use on "Music Must Change"?
The guitar on "Music Must Change" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Music Must Change" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, 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 "Music Must Change" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Music Must Change" 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 "Music Must Change" by The Who are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.