How to Dial In "Lightning Strikes Twice" by Iron Maiden - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Lightning Strikes Twice"
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 Virtual XI (1998). Virtual XI (pronounced "Virtual Eleven") is the eleventh studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 23 March 1998. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Iron Maiden's other songs from Virtual XI, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Lightning Strikes Twice" Tone
What guitar did Iron Maiden use on "Lightning Strikes Twice"?
The guitar on "Lightning Strikes Twice" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Lightning Strikes Twice" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Lightning Strikes Twice" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Lightning Strikes Twice" 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 "Lightning Strikes Twice" by Iron Maiden are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.