How to Dial In "What Light" by Wilco - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "What Light"
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 Sky Blue Sky (2007). Sky Blue Sky is the sixth studio album by the American rock band Wilco, released on May 15, 2007, by Nonesuch Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb, the rig we use for Wilco's other songs from Sky Blue Sky, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "What Light" Tone
What guitar did Wilco use on "What Light"?
The guitar on "What Light" (released 2007) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "What Light" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 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 "What Light" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What Light" 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 "What Light" by Wilco are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.