How to Dial In "Can't Get Next to You" by Billy Squier - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Can't Get Next to You"
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 Signs of Life (1984). Signs of Life is the fourth studio album by American musician Billy Squier. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Billy Squier's other songs from Signs of Life, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Can't Get Next to You" Tone
What guitar did Billy Squier use on "Can't Get Next to You"?
The guitar on "Can't Get Next to You" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Can't Get Next to You" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 Get Next to You" 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 Get Next to You" 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 Get Next to You" by Billy Squier are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.