How to Dial In "Rat Race" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rat Race"
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 Devil's Playground (2005). A punchy, glam-tinged punk-rock track with bright, driving power chords. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a classic hard-rock crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Rat Race" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Rat Race"?
The guitar on "Rat Race" (released 2005) isn't documented; the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Rat Race" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Rat Race" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rat Race" 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 "Rat Race" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.