How to Dial In "Cruel World" by Lana Del Rey - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cruel World"
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 Ultraviolence (2014). Ultraviolence is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released on June 13, 2014, by Polydor and Interscope Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Harmony Rocket H59 through an Ampeg Reverberocket R-12-R, the rig we use for Lana Del Rey's other songs from Ultraviolence, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cruel World" Tone
What guitar did Lana Del Rey use on "Cruel World"?
The guitar on "Cruel World" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Harmony Rocket H59 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cruel World" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 4.5, Volume 4.5. 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 "Cruel World" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cruel World" 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 "Cruel World" by Lana Del Rey are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.