How to Dial In "People Are People" by Depeche Mode - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "People Are People"
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 Some Great Reward (1984). Some Great Reward is the fourth studio album by the English electronic band Depeche Mode, released on 24 September 1984 by Mute Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig we use for Depeche Mode's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "People Are People" Tone
What guitar did Depeche Mode use on "People Are People"?
The guitar on "People Are People" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "People Are People" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "People Are People" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "People Are People" 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 "People Are People" by Depeche Mode are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.