How to Dial In "Leaders of the Free World" by Elbow - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Leaders of the Free World"
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 Leaders of the Free World (2005). Leaders of the Free World is the third studio album by English rock band Elbow, released on 12 September 2005 in the UK and 21 February 2006 in the US on the V2 record label. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Classic through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig we use for Elbow's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Leaders of the Free World" Tone
What guitar did Elbow use on "Leaders of the Free World"?
The guitar on "Leaders of the Free World" (released 2005) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Classic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Leaders of the Free World" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, 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 "Leaders of the Free World" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Leaders of the Free World" 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 "Leaders of the Free World" by Elbow are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.