I Can't Tell You Why — Eagles1 / 2
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I Can't Tell You Why Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Eagles

Eagles · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Telecaster (likely 1970s, as used by Glenn Frey on studio recording)
Pickups
Fender single-coil (Telecaster stock pickups, 1970s)
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, late 1970s)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup

Studio recording, 1978-1979. Glenn Frey played the solo on the original studio track, not Don Felder. Live performances often feature Don Felder or Steuart Smith with different guitars/amps, but the studio solo is Frey on Telecaster through a Fender Twin Reverb. No evidence of pedals used on the studio recording; effects are likely amp reverb and possibly subtle studio compression.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
0
Reverb
4
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • smooth and glassy
  • warm and rounded highs
  • clear articulation
  • slightly compressed
  • touch-sensitive
  • singing sustain
  • clean with subtle reverb
  • dynamic response
  • no audible distortion
  • classic Fender clean

Sources