How to Dial In "Spoonful" by Vivian Campbell - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Spoonful"
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 Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The Def Leppard guitarist's solo blues covers album reaches back to his hard-rock roots (Dio, Whitesnake) for tone rather than a vintage blues sound — a Les Paul pushed into a modern, saturated Marshall crunch on this Willie Dixon standard.
Common Questions About the "Spoonful" Tone
What guitar did Vivian Campbell use on "Spoonful"?
Vivian Campbell tracked "Spoonful" on a Les Paul (released 2005). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Spoonful" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Spoonful" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Spoonful" 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 "Spoonful" by Vivian Campbell are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.