How to Dial In "Break It Up" by Foreigner - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Break It Up"
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 4 (1981). Melodic rock with a crunchy rhythm part and a clean-edged lead. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Break It Up" Tone
What guitar did Foreigner use on "Break It Up"?
The guitar on "Break It Up" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Break It Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, 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 "Break It Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Break It Up" 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 "Break It Up" by Foreigner are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.