Tone Settings for Interstate 20 Blues by Blackberry Smoke (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set guitar volume to about 8–9 to retain clarity while still driving the amp
• Use full volume for solos to push the amp into natural overdrive
• Back off volume slightly for rhythm sections for better articulation

2. Tone

• Set tone knob around 6–7 for a warmer, blues-rock edge
• Brighten slightly for solos by nudging tone up to 8
• Consider rolling back tone for slide or rhythm to reduce harsh high-end

3. Pickup Selector

• Use the bridge pickup for gritty lead tones and solos
• Neck pickup suits smoother rhythm work and slide playing
• Middle position (if available) adds body and vintage attitude

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbucker preferred for fuller, mid-heavy Southern rock tone
• Delivers natural compression and sustain needed for the style
• Single coils can work but may require a boost or OD pedal to compensate

5. Ideal Guitar Type (Electric – Tele-style)

• Telecaster-style guitar with humbuckers or P90s is ideal
• Semi-hollow Tele can enhance warmth and resonance
• Consider a custom or modified Tele with a humbucker in the neck or bridge position
• A Les Paul-style guitar could also capture the tone but loses a bit of Tele twang

• Fender Stratocaster: Excellent for clean tones and expressive blues phrasing
• Gibson Les Paul Standard: Adds warmth and sustain for lead lines
• Tube Amplifier (e.g., Fender Blues Junior): Delivers authentic tube-driven blues tones
• Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808: Classic overdrive pedal for boosting solos
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: Essential for dynamic expression and soulful licks
• Boss DD-7 Delay: Useful for adding subtle echo to solos and fills
• TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb: Adds atmosphere without muddying the tone
• Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Strings (10-46): Balanced tension and tone for blues playing
• Snark Clip-On Tuner: Quick and reliable tuning
• Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal: Durable, pedalboard-friendly tuning solution

• Use medium output single-coil pickups for clarity and articulation.
• Set amp EQ: Bass 5, Mids 6, Treble 7 for a balanced blues tone.
• Dial in light overdrive—smooth clipping, not fuzzy or compressed.
• Add light reverb (spring or plate) for spatial depth.
• Keep delay subtle or off; prioritize dry tone for dynamics.
• Use neck pickup for warm rhythm sections; bridge for lead clarity.
• Roll tone knob slightly off for rounder solo phrasing.
• Maintain moderate picking attack for expressive dynamics.
• Limit compression to preserve transient expression and phrasing.
• Use vintage-voiced amp model (e.g., Fender Deluxe or Bassman) for authenticity.