Song Rig
Already Free
Derek Trucks · Already Free · 2010
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The Tedeschi Trucks Band debut album's title track — a heavy, riff-driven slide blues that shows Derek's tone at its most electric and aggressive. The SG into the Fender amp produces a raw, slightly distorted slide tone that retains warmth while cutting through the full-band arrangement.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson SG (open E tuning, Schaller Golden 50 pickups)
- 2Fender Deluxe Reverb or Super Reverb (pushed hard)
- 3Corning glass slide (medium weight)
Amp Settings
The Fender amp pushed into natural breakup — Derek uses no effects pedals, relying entirely on guitar volume, picking attack, and amp compression for dynamics. The SG resonates more aggressively than a Strat in this setup.
Technique
How to Play It
Derek plays entirely with his fingers and a glass slide, no plectrum — the bare skin contact gives him more control over muting and dynamics than a pick allows. The slide is worn on the ring finger, leaving the middle and index free for fretting conventionally when not sliding.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
SG or any mahogany guitar in open E → Fender Deluxe Reverb or Blues Deluxe pushed to natural breakup → glass slide. Absolutely no distortion pedals — Derek never uses them.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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