How to Dial In "Barely Breathing" by Duncan Sheik - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Barely Breathing"
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 Duncan Sheik (1996). Duncan Sheik is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, a clean, bright folk-rock pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Barely Breathing" Tone
What guitar did Duncan Sheik use on "Barely Breathing"?
The guitar on "Barely Breathing" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Barely Breathing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Barely Breathing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Barely Breathing" 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 "Barely Breathing" by Duncan Sheik are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.