Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone

Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.

To capture the iconic tone of 'Johnny B. Goode', we use the Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities to approximate the Fender amp sound and adjust the Squier Strat to mimic the humbucker character. The tone is bright, mid-forward, and responsive, perfect for Chuck Berry's rock and roll style.

Signal chain settings

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — Main guitar

ControlSettingWhy
Pickup SelectorBridge PickupSelect the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone similar to the Les Paul heard on the record.
Master Volume8Set to 8 for a strong output without losing clarity.
Tone 1Leave at defaultNot used as it controls the neck and middle pickups, which are not engaged.
Tone 27Tone 2 controls the bridge pickup, set to 7 to maintain brightness and clarity.

Fender Mustang LT25 — Main amp

ControlSettingWhy
Preset[01] FENDER CLEANThis preset provides the clean Fender tone needed for the edge-of-breakup sound.
Gain6Set gain to 6 to achieve the edge-of-breakup tone characteristic of the recording.
Volume5Volume at 5 to balance output and maintain clarity.
Treble7Treble at 7 to ensure the tone is bright and cutting, matching the recording's clarity.
Bass4Bass at 4 to control low end and keep the tone tight and focused.
Master5Master at 5 to keep overall output balanced and dynamic.
Cabinet buildNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.
Amp ModelsNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.
EffectsNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.

What Chuck Berry actually used

Chuck Berry's recording of 'Johnny B. Goode' in 1958 featured his 1957 Gibson ES-350T guitar, known for its PAF humbuckers that contributed to his distinctive tone. While the exact amplifier model used during the session isn't definitively documented, it's widely believed that Berry utilized a Fender Tweed amp, possibly a Twin or Bassman, to achieve his signature sound.

  • 1957 Gibson ES-350T — main. Equipped with Gibson's PAF humbuckers
  • Fender Tweed Amp — main. Specific model unknown; likely a Fender Twin or Bassman

Tuning: Standard

Sources