How to Dial In "The Chauffeur" by Duran Duran - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Chauffeur"
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 Rio (1982). Rio is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 10 May 1982 through EMI. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Duran Duran's other songs from Rio, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Chauffeur" Tone
What guitar did Duran Duran use on "The Chauffeur"?
The guitar on "The Chauffeur" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Chauffeur" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "The Chauffeur" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Chauffeur" 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 "The Chauffeur" by Duran Duran are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.