ToneAdapt

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Solo Tone

Kid Charlemagne

Steely Dan

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson ES-335
AmpFender Tweed Deluxe (5E3)
PickupsGibson ES-335 humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain5.5
bass5.5
mid7
treble6.5
reverb1
presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1976. All sources confirm the solo was tracked with Larry Carlton's Gibson ES-335 into a Fender Tweed Deluxe amp, not live gear. Pickup selector was set to bridge (back) pickup, tone knob rolled down to about 3. No pedals or external effects were used; all overdrive is amp-based. Mesa Boogie Mark I is sometimes cited but is not supported by primary sources for this solo.

Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth and vocalwarm, liquid lead tonetouch-sensitive dynamicsamp-driven overdrivebridge pickup clarity with rolled-off highsmedium gain, not high-gainno pedal colorationclassic 1970s studio rock soundarticulate note separation

Difficulty

The solo is challenging due to its intricate phrasing, fast and accurate bends, chromaticism, and the need for expressive dynamics and articulation. While not shred-level, it requires advanced control and musicality.

Sources

Chattin' with Mr.335: Larry Carlton - Premier GuitarLarry Carlton's Guitar Gear, Amps & Pedalboard | EquipboardSteely Dan Guitar Rigs? | The Gear PageSteely Dan guitar tone?

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Kid Charlemagne settings for your amp

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