🎸 Artist tone guide

How to get Eric Johnson's guitar tone

Eric Johnson across 6 famous tones — mostly through 1969 Marshall Super Lead 100W, 100-watt Marshall head, 1969 Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head, Fender Twin Reverb, with single-coils. Here is where to start, then adapt any of it to the guitar and amp you actually own.

Starting point (averaged): gain 5 · bass 5.5 · mid 5 · treble 5 · presence 4 (out of 10)
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Eric Johnson's go-to amps

1969 Marshall Super Lead 100W ×2100-watt Marshall head ×11969 Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head ×1Fender Twin Reverb ×1

6 famous Eric Johnson tones

Trademark
gain 7 · bass 5 · mid 4 · treble 4.5
Zap
gain 7 · bass 5 · mid 4.5 · treble 5
Cliffs of Dover
gain 6 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 6
Desert Rose
gain 4.5 · bass 5.5 · mid 6 · treble 4
Cliffs of Dover (Live)
gain 3 · bass 5.5 · mid 5 · treble 3.5
Manhattan
gain 2.5 · bass 5.5 · mid 5 · treble 5.5

Rock amp settings

Eric Johnson is a rock staple. See the best amp settings for rock — averaged EQ, go-to amps and a full how-to.

How to get Eric Johnson's tone — FAQ

What amp settings does Eric Johnson use?

Averaged across 6 of their tones: gain 5, bass 5.5, mid 5, treble 5, presence 4 (out of 10). Adapt to your own amp.

What gear do I need to sound like Eric Johnson?

They favour 1969 Marshall Super Lead 100W, 100-watt Marshall head, 1969 Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head, Fender Twin Reverb with single-coils. You do not need the exact rig — GuitarToneAdapt re-dials their tones for the guitar and amp you already own, free.

How do I get Eric Johnson's guitar tone?

Start with their go-to gear (1969 Marshall Super Lead 100W, 100-watt Marshall head, 1969 Marshall Model 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head, Fender Twin Reverb and single-coils) and a starting EQ of gain 5, bass 5.5, mid 5, treble 5, presence 4 (out of 10), then dial in any of the 6 songs below. GuitarToneAdapt adapts each one to the exact amp and guitar you own, free.

Can I get Eric Johnson's tone on a different amp or guitar?

Yes. You do not need their exact rig — GuitarToneAdapt models how their gear shapes the sound and compensates for whatever amp, guitar and pedals you already have, free in the browser.

Settings are community-researched estimates. Adapt any to your gear at GuitarToneAdapt · amp settings · all 1,200+ tones.