Solo Tone

Midnight Blues (Live)

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarblues2010s+

Original Gear

Guitar1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Skinnerburst'

AmpFender Tweed Twin (1959 original and 2016 Joe Bonamassa signature reissue, 4x80W, all cranked)

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6

bass7

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop JB95 Joe Bonamassa Cry Baby Wah

overdriveWay Huge Way Huge WHE212 Doubleland Special Overdrive

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

delayBoss Boss DD-2 Digital Delay

Notes

Live performance, not studio. Rig described in multiple interviews and rig rundowns as Bonamassa's main live setup for this era. Year: 2010s+. For 'Midnight Blues (Live)' solo, the Les Paul 'Skinnerburst' is most consistently referenced as his main solo guitar. No evidence of amp-based effects beyond spring reverb. Pedal use is minimal but key effects (wah, overdrive, delay) are confirmed.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainwarm and smoothtouch-sensitivevocal-like phrasingedge-of-breakup crunchthick, harmonically richfluid bendsclear note separationslightly compresseddynamic response

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced blues phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control, as well as precise use of the wah pedal for vocal-like effects. While not shred-level, it demands a high level of feel and technical nuance.

Sources

How to sound like Joe Bonamassa - Happy Bluesman Joe Bonamassa Rig Rundown at the Ryman - Premier Guitar One for the road: Joe Bonamassa | MusicRadar

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