How to Dial In "Betray My Heart" by D'Angelo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Betray My Heart"
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 Black Messiah (2014). Black Messiah is the third studio album by the American musician D'Angelo, credited to D'Angelo and the Vanguard. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for D'Angelo's other songs from Black Messiah, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Betray My Heart" Tone
What guitar did D'Angelo use on "Betray My Heart"?
The guitar on "Betray My Heart" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Betray My Heart" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 4. 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 "Betray My Heart" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Betray My Heart" 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 "Betray My Heart" by D'Angelo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.