How to Dial In "Joe the Lion" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Joe the Lion"
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 "Heroes" (1977). "Heroes" is the twelfth studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 14 October 1977 through RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for David Bowie's other songs from "Heroes", stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Joe the Lion" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Joe the Lion"?
The guitar on "Joe the Lion" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Joe the Lion" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "Joe the Lion" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Joe the Lion" 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 "Joe the Lion" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.