How to Dial In "Bad News" by Gary Moore - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bad News"
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 Dirty Fingers (1983). Dirty Fingers is the third solo studio album by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore, released in 1983 by Jet Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JMP 2203 Master Volume, the rig we use for Gary Moore's other songs from Dirty Fingers, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Bad News" Tone
What guitar did Gary Moore use on "Bad News"?
The guitar on "Bad News" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Bad News" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Bad News" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bad News" 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 "Bad News" by Gary Moore are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.