How to Dial In "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" by Chris Isaak - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pretty Girls Don't Cry"
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 Silvertone (1985). Silvertone is the debut album by American musician Chris Isaak, released in 1985. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Chris Isaak's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" Tone
What guitar did Chris Isaak use on "Pretty Girls Don't Cry"?
The guitar on "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 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 "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" 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 "Pretty Girls Don't Cry" by Chris Isaak are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.