How to Dial In "I Can Barely Breathe" by Manchester Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Can Barely Breathe"
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 I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child (2006). I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child is the debut studio album from Atlanta alternative rock band Manchester Orchestra. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Manchester Orchestra's other songs from I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Can Barely Breathe" Tone
What guitar did Manchester Orchestra use on "I Can Barely Breathe"?
The guitar on "I Can Barely Breathe" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Can Barely Breathe" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 Can Barely Breathe" 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 Can Barely Breathe" 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 Can Barely Breathe" by Manchester Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.