How to Dial In "Back When" by Tim McGraw - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Back When"
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 Live Like You Were Dying (2004). Live Like You Were Dying is the eighth studio album by American country music artist Tim McGraw. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Tim McGraw's other songs from Live Like You Were Dying, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Back When" Tone
What guitar did Tim McGraw use on "Back When"?
The guitar on "Back When" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Back When" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Back When" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Back When" 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 "Back When" by Tim McGraw are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.