How to Dial In "Shakin' All Over" by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shakin' All Over"
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.
Johnny Kidd wrote it, and the band recorded it at EMI's Abbey Road studios on 13 May 1960 with Walter Ridley producing. HMV released it that June (POP 753), and it was number one in the UK in August 1960. Joe Moretti played lead guitar, with Alan Caddy on rhythm guitar, Brian Gregg on bass and Clem Cattini on drums. Moretti later said: "I created the introduction, the backing figures, the solo, and slid a cigarette lighter across the strings to get that shakin' guitar sound." No source names the guitar, amp or effects. Play the low, menacing riff on the bridge pickup through an amp just starting to break up, and for the shiver, rake a slide or something smooth along the strings over the fretboard while the rhythm part keeps going. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Shakin' All Over" Tone
What guitar did Johnny Kidd & the Pirates use on "Shakin' All Over"?
The guitar on "Shakin' All Over" (released 1960) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1957 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 "Shakin' All Over" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Shakin' All Over" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shakin' All Over" 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 "Shakin' All Over" by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.