How to Dial In "Speed of Life" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Speed of Life"
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 Low (1977). Low is the eleventh studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 14 January 1977 through RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for David Bowie's other songs from Low, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Speed of Life" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Speed of Life"?
The guitar on "Speed of Life" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Speed of Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Speed of Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Speed of Life" 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 "Speed of Life" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.