How to Dial In "Knucklebones" by David Lee Roth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Knucklebones"
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 Skyscraper (1988). Skyscraper is the second full-length studio album by David Lee Roth, released during his solo career after his departure from Van Halen. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez JEM7V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for David Lee Roth's other songs from Skyscraper, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Knucklebones" Tone
What guitar did David Lee Roth use on "Knucklebones"?
The guitar on "Knucklebones" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Ibanez JEM7V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Knucklebones" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Knucklebones" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Knucklebones" 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 "Knucklebones" by David Lee Roth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.