How to Dial In "Normal Person" by Arcade Fire - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Normal Person"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Reflektor (2013). A raw, riff-led Reflektor track with a crunchy, distorted guitar figure. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp clean and use the middle and bridge pickups. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Normal Person" Tone
What guitar did Arcade Fire use on "Normal Person"?
The guitar on "Normal Person" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Normal Person" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Normal Person" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Normal Person" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Normal Person" by Arcade Fire are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.