How to Dial In "Dancing on the Ceiling" by Lionel Richie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dancing on the Ceiling"
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 Dancing on the Ceiling (1986). Dancing on the Ceiling is the third solo studio album by American singer Lionel Richie, released by Motown on August 5, 1986. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Lionel Richie's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck and middle pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Dancing on the Ceiling" Tone
What guitar did Lionel Richie use on "Dancing on the Ceiling"?
The guitar on "Dancing on the Ceiling" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Dancing on the Ceiling" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Dancing on the Ceiling" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dancing on the Ceiling" 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 "Dancing on the Ceiling" by Lionel Richie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.