Tone Settings for Ocean by John Butler Trio (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set master volume relatively high to capture full dynamics of fingerpicking.
• Use volume control expressively during performance to enhance phrasing and intensity.
• Use a volume pedal for smooth swells and dynamic control.

2. Tone

• Keep tone control wide open (maximum treble) for brightness and clarity.
• Dial in EQ for midrange warmth and strong bass presence.
• Reduce harsh highs slightly if using piezo pickups to avoid brittle tone.
• Use onboard EQ (if available) to enhance percussive slap and tapping clarity.

3. Pickup Selector

• Use bridge pickup to emphasize attack and clarity for percussive fingerstyle parts.
• Neck pickup can be blended in slightly for warmth in melodic sections.
• Blend pickups (if possible) to get a balanced tone between snap and fullness.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Neither is strictly used — John Butler uses piezo pickups in his 12-string acoustic.
• If using an electric-acoustic hybrid, piezo or under-saddle transducers are preferred for natural acoustic tone.
• A magnetic soundhole pickup can be added to complement the piezo with warmth and reduce brightness.

5. Ideal Guitar Type

• Acoustic 12-string guitar with a cutaway for easy upper fret access.
• Jumbo or grand auditorium body style preferred for increased resonance and dynamic range.
• High-quality piezo pickup system with onboard preamp and EQ controls is crucial.
• Ideally fitted with medium or medium-light gauge strings for clarity and projection.
• Optional feedback buster (soundhole cover) for live stage use.

• Fender Stratocaster: Great for clean, bell-like tones and expressive dynamics
• Tube Screamer Overdrive: Adds smooth, mid-focused gain for solos
• Cry Baby Wah Pedal: Essential for expressive phrasing and dynamic filter sweeps
• Delay Pedal (e.g., Boss DD-7): Creates spaciousness and rhythmic echo effects
• Reverb Pedal (e.g., Strymon BigSky): Adds ambient depth and sustain
• Loop Pedal (e.g., TC Electronic Ditto): Helpful for layering rhythm and melody live
• Fender Twin Reverb Amp: Classic clean tone with headroom and reverb
• Guitar Volume Pedal: Allows smooth swells and dynamic control
• Compressor Pedal (e.g., MXR Dyna Comp): Evens out dynamics and adds sustain
• Slide: Optional, for adding slide phrasing in certain licks

• Use a smooth, clean guitar tone with minimal distortion.
• Apply a light chorus or modulation for added depth.
• Use a compressor to balance dynamics and enhance sustain.
• Set reverb to a medium hall or plate for ambient texture.
• Boost mid frequencies slightly for clarity in mix.
• Use neck pickup for a warmer tone in clean sections.
• Adjust gain settings for touch-sensitive responsiveness.
• Keep delay subtle with low feedback and short repeats.
• Dial in a slightly scooped EQ for more airy, spacious tone.
• Monitor tone with headphones or studio monitors for accuracy.