How to Dial In "Telling Stories" by Tracy Chapman - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Telling Stories"
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 Telling Stories (2000). Telling Stories is the fifth album by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released on February 14, 2000, by Elektra Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Tracy Chapman's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Telling Stories" Tone
What guitar did Tracy Chapman use on "Telling Stories"?
The guitar on "Telling Stories" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Telling Stories" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 5.5, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Telling Stories" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Telling Stories" 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 "Telling Stories" by Tracy Chapman are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.