How to Dial In "Whatever It Is" by Zac Brown Band - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Whatever It Is"
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. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Whatever It Is" Tone
What guitar did Zac Brown Band use on "Whatever It Is"?
The guitar on "Whatever It Is" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Fender Custom Shop 1968 Telecaster Heavy Relic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Whatever It Is" 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 "Whatever It Is" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Whatever It Is" 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 "Whatever It Is" by Zac Brown Band are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.