How to Dial In "Bar Lonely" by Franz Ferdinand - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bar Lonely"
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 The Human Fear (2025). No source documents the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a light-to-medium crunch on the bridge pickup and dig in harder for the louder sections. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Bar Lonely" Tone
What guitar did Franz Ferdinand use on "Bar Lonely"?
The guitar on "Bar Lonely" (released 2025) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bar Lonely" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, 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 "Bar Lonely" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bar Lonely" 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 "Bar Lonely" by Franz Ferdinand are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.