How to Dial In "Can't Break Me Down" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Can't Break Me Down"
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 Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014). Kings & Queens of the Underground is the eighth studio album by the English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 17 October 2014 by BFI Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2204, the rig we use for Billy Idol's other songs from Kings & Queens of the Underground, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Can't Break Me Down" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Can't Break Me Down"?
The guitar on "Can't Break Me Down" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Can't Break Me Down" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 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 "Can't Break Me Down" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Can't Break Me Down" 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 "Can't Break Me Down" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.