How to Dial In "Black Fly" by ZZ Top - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Black Fly"
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 Rhythmeen (1996). Rhythmeen is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top, released in 1996. Wikipedia's article on the album says Billy Gibbons plays a 1955 Les Paul Goldtop prominently throughout it, so a Gibson 1955 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue stands in for that guitar. No source we found documents the amp, so a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the amp we use for ZZ Top's other songs from Rhythmeen, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Black Fly" Tone
What guitar did ZZ Top use on "Black Fly"?
The guitar on "Black Fly" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Black Fly" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Black Fly" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Black Fly" 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 "Black Fly" by ZZ Top are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.