How to Dial In "Writing on the Wall" by Cheap Trick - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Writing on the Wall"
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 Dream Police (1979). Dream Police is the fourth studio album by American rock band Cheap Trick. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Cheap Trick's other songs from Dream Police, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Writing on the Wall" Tone
What guitar did Cheap Trick use on "Writing on the Wall"?
The guitar on "Writing on the Wall" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Writing on the Wall" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Writing on the Wall" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Writing on the Wall" 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 "Writing on the Wall" by Cheap Trick are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.