How to Dial In "Nothin' but Blue" by Brian May - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Nothin' but Blue"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
A slow, languorous guitar piece on Back to the Light, released on 28 September 1992, and it shared a November 1992 single with the title track. It was initially recorded as "Somewhere in Time" on Cozy Powell's 1992 solo album The Drums Are Back, with John Deacon on bass, and May used the instrumental from that session and added original lyrics to create this version. May plays his home-built Red Special, which he has said he prefers through a Vox AC30 driven hard; the AC30 and a treble booster stand in for his long-time setup, and no source available here confirms the exact gear on this recording. Use the neck pickup for a slow, singing, sustained lead tone with a wide vibrato. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Nothin' but Blue" Tone
What guitar did Brian May use on "Nothin' but Blue"?
Brian May recorded "Nothin' but Blue" (released 1992) before the Brian May Guitars Red Special came out; it is named above as a modern equivalent. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Nothin' but Blue" need?
On an AC30: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Nothin' but Blue" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Nothin' but Blue" 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.
What pedals are on "Nothin' but Blue"?
The original signal chain for "Nothin' but Blue" runs through Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Nothin' but Blue" by Brian May are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.