How to Dial In "Life Is White" by Big Star - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Life Is White"
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 Radio City (1974). Radio City is the second studio album by the American rock band Big Star. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired, the rig we use for Big Star's other songs from Radio City, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Life Is White" Tone
What guitar did Big Star use on "Life Is White"?
The guitar on "Life Is White" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Life Is White" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Life Is White" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Life Is White" 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 "Life Is White" by Big Star are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.