How to Dial In "I Got the Message" by ZZ Top - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Got the Message"
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 Afterburner (1985). Produced by Bill Ham between March and July 1985, on an album built on sequenced keyboard beds. Billy Gibbons is reported to have played his 1959 Les Paul "Pearly Gates", bought in 1968, on every ZZ Top record, and has talked about Marshall Plexi and Fender tweed amps, but no source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul Standard (Custom Shop) through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Got the Message" Tone
What guitar did ZZ Top use on "I Got the Message"?
The guitar on "I Got the Message" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Gibson Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul Standard (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Got the Message" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, 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 "I Got the Message" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Got the Message" 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 "I Got the Message" by ZZ Top are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.