How to Dial In "Once in a Lifetime" by Gary Moore - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Once in a Lifetime"
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 Run for Cover (1985). Run for Cover is the fifth solo studio album by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore, released on 2 September 1985. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Kirk Hammett Greeny Les Paul Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Gary Moore's other songs from Run for Cover, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Once in a Lifetime" Tone
What guitar did Gary Moore use on "Once in a Lifetime"?
The guitar on "Once in a Lifetime" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Gibson Kirk Hammett Greeny Les Paul Standard (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Once in a Lifetime" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Once in a Lifetime" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Once in a Lifetime" 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 "Once in a Lifetime" by Gary Moore are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.