How to Dial In "Twisting by the Pool" by Dire Straits - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Twisting by the Pool"
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.
The best-known song from ExtendedancEPlay, the 1983 EP. It was released as a single and reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, number 12 on the US Billboard Rock Top Tracks chart and number one in New Zealand. It is set in A major at 182 beats per minute with a basic A-D-E progression, and AllMusic's William Ruhlmann called it the closest thing to exuberant rock and roll the band had attempted. Mark Knopfler plays the guitar; no source available here names the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender Stratocaster stands in as a suggestion. Play it with a bright, lightly overdriven bridge-pickup tone and a rockabilly-style rhythm. No transcription could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "Twisting by the Pool" Tone
What guitar did Dire Straits use on "Twisting by the Pool"?
The guitar on "Twisting by the Pool" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Twisting by the Pool" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Twisting by the Pool" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Twisting by the Pool" 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 "Twisting by the Pool" by Dire Straits are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.