How to Dial In "Heartless Heart" by Dokken - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heartless Heart"
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 Tooth and Nail (1984). Tooth and Nail is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Dokken, released on September 17, 1984 through Elektra Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP GL-56 George Lynch Signature through a Marshall JCM800 2204, the rig we use for Dokken's other songs from Tooth and Nail, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Heartless Heart" Tone
What guitar did Dokken use on "Heartless Heart"?
The guitar on "Heartless Heart" (released 1984) isn't documented; the ESP GL-56 George Lynch Signature above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Heartless Heart" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, 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 "Heartless Heart" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heartless Heart" 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 "Heartless Heart" by Dokken are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.