How to Dial In "Pyongyang" by Blur - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pyongyang"
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 The Magic Whip (2015). The Magic Whip is the eighth studio album by English rock band Blur. Graham Coxon told MusicRadar in May 2015 that in the Hong Kong sessions for The Magic Whip he mostly played a Stratocaster his tech Steve Prior built from parts, with perhaps a Telecaster lying around, through his normal 100-watt Marshall Plexi, with an AC30 from the studio's live room used for some of the recording. He does not tie any of that to one song, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster and a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead reissue stand in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Pyongyang" Tone
What guitar did Blur use on "Pyongyang"?
The guitar on "Pyongyang" (released 2015) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Pyongyang" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, 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 "Pyongyang" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pyongyang" 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 "Pyongyang" by Blur are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.