Tone library / Kansas / Carry On Wayward Son

Carry On Wayward Son amp settings — Fender Champion 20

The Kansas guitar tone for “Carry On Wayward Son”, dialed in for a Fender Champion 20 with a Epiphone Les Paul Studio. Studio version, Leftoverture (1976) — main opening riff

Original rig

Gibson Les Paul Standard / ES-335 into cranked Marshall 1959 Super Lead / JMP 100W 4x12 cab

Classic mid-forward 70s British tube crunch with tight low end and cutting attack

Amp settings — Fender Champion 20

CHANNELVoice: British Crunch (Amber/Red)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Treble	7
Reverb	2
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Champion 20 lacks a dedicated mid knob and presence control, so use the British Crunch voice to emulate the Marshall Super Lead midrange bite. Treble is pushed to 7 to deliver the aggressive pick attack, while bass is kept at 5 to keep the lower register tight without muddying the 8-inch speaker. Because your Les Paul humbuckers have naturally warm output, gain at 7 provides the right amount of classic 70s crunch without washing out the riff definition.

PRO TIPDig in with a heavy pick angle close to the bridge pickup and lightly palm-mute the low open strings during the verses to nail Kerry Livgren's tight, percussive drive.

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These settings are for a Fender Champion 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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