How to Dial In "Whiskey and Pills" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Whiskey and Pills"
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 English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 17 October 2014 by BFI Records. The album's personnel list credits Steve Stevens with lead and rhythm guitar on all tracks. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2204 (Vintage), 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. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Whiskey and Pills" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Whiskey and Pills"?
The guitar on "Whiskey and Pills" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Whiskey and Pills" 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 "Whiskey and Pills" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Whiskey and Pills" 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.
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Tone references for "Whiskey and Pills" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.