How to Dial In "Let's Have a Party" by Wanda Jackson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Let's Have a Party"
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.
Jessie Mae Robinson wrote it for Elvis Presley's film Loving You in 1957. Wanda Jackson recorded it in Hollywood on 7 April 1958 with Ken Nelson producing, for her first album, Wanda Jackson, released by Capitol that year. Capitol issued it as a single in 1960, and it reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 32 in the UK. Her recording was later used in Dead Poets Society and entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2024. No source names the guitarists on the session, or the guitar, amp or effects. The guitar is raw, driving rockabilly with a stinging, slightly overdriven solo: play it on the bridge pickup with the amp pushed into grit and pick hard. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Let's Have a Party" Tone
What guitar did Wanda Jackson use on "Let's Have a Party"?
The guitar on "Let's Have a Party" (released 1958) isn't documented; the Gretsch G6120 Eddie Cochran Signature Hollow Body above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Let's Have a Party" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Let's Have a Party" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Let's Have a Party" 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 "Let's Have a Party" by Wanda Jackson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.