Layla — Derek & The Dominos1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarCleanSolo72% confidence

Layla Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Derek & The Dominos

Derek & The Dominos · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely 1956, sunburst, maple neck, as used by Eric Clapton on the Layla sessions)
Pickups
Fender single-coil pickups (original 1950s Stratocaster spec)
Amp
Fender Champ (6V6GT tube, blackface, c.1960s)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup

Studio recording, Criteria Studios Miami, 1970. Clapton used his 1956 Stratocaster into a Fender Champ for the clean solo sections. No evidence of pedals or additional effects in the clean solo. This is the studio recording, not live.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
3
Reverb
3
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Tone Matcher

Match This Tone to Your Gear

Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.

Adapt to MY Gear →

7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.

Tone Character

  • clear and bell-like
  • warm and glassy highs
  • touch-sensitive
  • smooth and rounded attack
  • minimal breakup
  • articulate single notes
  • slightly compressed
  • dynamic response
  • classic Fender clean
  • no audible overdrive or fuzz

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for the clean solo; values estimated based on typical Fender Champ settings for clean tones and period-correct usage.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or outboard effects used on the clean solo; all effects are amp-based or studio ambience.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from isolated track analysis and typical Stratocaster clean tone.
  • ⚠️Presence control is not present on all Fender Champs; value estimated for completeness.
  • ⚠️If alternate guitar/amp info emerges, settings may need revision.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Clapton's 'Layla' solo tone is a classic British rock sound from a cranked Marshall, with edge-of-breakup gain, strong mids, and balanced bass/treble. The era and studio setup suggest moderate reverb and presence, matching the warm, sustaining, and vocal-like lead tone.

Sources