How to Dial In "I Want You" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Want You"
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 Notorious (1991). Notorious is the eighth studio album by the American rock singer Joan Jett and the sixth to feature her backing band the Blackhearts, released on 20 August 1991. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Joan Jett Melody Maker (Joan Jett Sig) through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' other songs from Notorious, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Want You" Tone
What guitar did Joan Jett & the Blackhearts use on "I Want You"?
The guitar on "I Want You" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Gibson Joan Jett Melody Maker (Joan Jett Sig) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Want You" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, 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 "I Want You" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Want You" 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 "I Want You" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.