How to Dial In "This Fire" by Franz Ferdinand - Guitar Tone Settings
What Franz Ferdinand Actually Used on "This Fire"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Franz Ferdinand's stated aim was music girls could dance to, and the guitar writing follows from that literally — the parts are angular, treble-forward single-note lines locked to the kick and snare rather than chords, with almost no low end and no sustain. Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy play interlocking rather than doubled parts, so a single-guitar version loses the counterpoint that is the whole idea. Recorded 2003 in Sweden with Tore Johansson. Standard tuning. Roll the bass right down, push the mids hard, keep gain modest, and mute aggressively — this is closer to Gang of Four and Josef K than to rock rhythm playing, and any warmth in the tone works against the dance groove.
Common Questions About the "This Fire" Tone
What guitar did Franz Ferdinand use on "This Fire"?
Franz Ferdinand tracked "This Fire" on a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) (released 2004). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "This Fire" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 5, Bass 4, Mid 7, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "This Fire" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "This Fire" 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 "This Fire" by Franz Ferdinand are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.