How to Dial In "The Ballad" by Blur - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Ballad"
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 Ballad of Darren (2023). The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album by English rock band Blur. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1975 Telecaster Deluxe through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Blur's other songs from The Ballad of Darren, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "The Ballad" Tone
What guitar did Blur use on "The Ballad"?
The guitar on "The Ballad" (released 2023) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1975 Telecaster Deluxe above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Ballad" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "The Ballad" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Ballad" 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 "The Ballad" by Blur are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.