How to Dial In "Big Ideas" by Arctic Monkeys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big Ideas"
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 The Car (2022), an album built on strings, lounge-style arrangements and restrained guitar. No source documents the guitar or amp for this song, so a semi-hollow Epiphone Casino into a Vox AC30 stands in. Keep the amp clean on the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Big Ideas" Tone
What guitar did Arctic Monkeys use on "Big Ideas"?
The guitar on "Big Ideas" (released 2022) isn't documented; the Epiphone Casino above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Big Ideas" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Big Ideas" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big Ideas" 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 "Big Ideas" by Arctic Monkeys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.