Knee Deep

The recording

The track was recorded across several studios in 2010‑2011 (including 800 East Studios in Atlanta and Loud Recording Studios in Nashville) under producers Zac Brown and Keith Stegall.

Tuning Standard E♭ tuning (capo on 1st fret)

Reported gear

1965 Martin D-18

Acoustic Guitar

Brown’s acoustic rhythm on “Knee Deep” was recorded with a 1965 Martin D‑18, delivering a bright, balanced tone that sits behind the vocals.

Fender Telecaster

Electric Guitar

The clean electric lead on “Knee Deep” was played on a Fender Telecaster, its bridge single‑coil pickup set to bridge for a crisp bite.

Fender Twin Reverb

Amplifier

Brown routed the Telecaster through a Fender Twin Reverb, using the amp’s clean channel and full spring reverb to achieve the song’s spacious, surf‑flavored tone.

Fender 2×12 Cabinet (1965)

Cabinet

The amp’s output was fed into a matching Fender 2×12 cabinet, preserving the clean tone and delivering a full, balanced low‑end.

Alternatives

Martin D-18 (reissue)

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Martin D-18

$2,200 to $2,600

Fender ’65 Twin Reverb Reissue

Modern equivalent · for the Fender Twin Reverb

$2,300 to $2,800

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender Telecaster

$350 to $450

2×12 Guitar Cabinet (generic)

Budget alternative · for the Fender 2×12 Cabinet (1965)

$150 to $250

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Place a capo on the 1st fret to match the recorded key (E♭).
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup on the Telecaster for a bright, cutting tone.
3. 3.Dial the Twin Reverb’s clean channel to full volume and add moderate spring reverb.
4. 4.Use hybrid picking (pick and fingers) on the clean electric parts for a tight, percussive feel.
5. 5.Strum the acoustic D‑18 with a light, open‑chord technique to keep the rhythm airy.