How to Dial In "Aladdin Sane" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Aladdin Sane"
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 Aladdin Sane (1973). Aladdin Sane is the sixth studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released in April 1973 through RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig', the rig we use for David Bowie's other songs from Aladdin Sane, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Aladdin Sane" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Aladdin Sane"?
The guitar on "Aladdin Sane" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Aladdin Sane" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Aladdin Sane" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Aladdin Sane" 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 "Aladdin Sane" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.