How to Dial In "Blue Line Swinger" by Yo La Tengo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Blue Line Swinger"
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 Electr-o-pura (1995). Electr-O-Pura is the seventh studio album by American indie rock band Yo La Tengo, released on May 2, 1995, by record label Matador. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster through a Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb, the rig we use for Yo La Tengo's other songs from Electr-O-Pura, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Blue Line Swinger" Tone
What guitar did Yo La Tengo use on "Blue Line Swinger"?
The guitar on "Blue Line Swinger" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Blue Line Swinger" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Blue Line Swinger" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Blue Line Swinger" 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 "Blue Line Swinger" by Yo La Tengo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.