How to Dial In "Magic Dance" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Magic Dance"
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 Labyrinth (1986). Labyrinth is a soundtrack album by David Bowie and composer Trevor Jones, released in 1986 for the film Labyrinth. 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 nearest rig we use for David Bowie's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Magic Dance" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Magic Dance"?
The guitar on "Magic Dance" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Magic Dance" 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 "Magic Dance" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Magic Dance" 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 "Magic Dance" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.