How to Dial In "Up the Hill Backwards" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Up the Hill Backwards"
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 Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980). Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), also known simply as Scary Monsters, is the fourteenth studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 12 September 1980 through RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for David Bowie's other songs from Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Up the Hill Backwards" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Up the Hill Backwards"?
The guitar on "Up the Hill Backwards" (released 1980) 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 "Up the Hill Backwards" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Up the Hill Backwards" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Up the Hill Backwards" 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 "Up the Hill Backwards" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.