How to Dial In "Free" by Zac Brown Band - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Free"
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 The Foundation (2008). The Foundation is the first major-label studio album by American country music band Zac Brown Band. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Custom Shop 1968 Telecaster Heavy Relic through a Matchless DC-30, the rig we use for Zac Brown Band's other songs from The Foundation, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Free" Tone
What guitar did Zac Brown Band use on "Free"?
The guitar on "Free" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Fender Custom Shop 1968 Telecaster Heavy Relic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Free" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 4.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 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 "Free" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Free" 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 "Free" by Zac Brown Band are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.