How to Dial In "Live Alone" by Franz Ferdinand - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Live Alone"
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 Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009). A tight, danceable art-rock song with a sharp, trebly rhythm guitar. Reverb's rig tour has Alex Kapranos's guitars running through a Carr Slant 6V with a very small pedalboard, though that rig is not dated to this album. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) into a Carr Slant 6V 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 "Live Alone" Tone
What guitar did Franz Ferdinand use on "Live Alone"?
The guitar on "Live Alone" (released 2009) 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 "Live Alone" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Live Alone" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Live Alone" 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 "Live Alone" by Franz Ferdinand are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.