How to Dial In "I Need You" by Billy Squier - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Need 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 Don't Say No (1981). Don't Say No is the second studio album by Billy Squier, released on April 13, 1981. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (AVRI Reissue) through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Billy Squier's other songs from Don't Say No, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Need You" Tone
What guitar did Billy Squier use on "I Need You"?
The guitar on "I Need You" (released 1981) 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 "I Need You" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "I Need 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 "I Need 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 "I Need You" by Billy Squier are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.