How to Dial In "Hard Shoulder" by Mark Knopfler - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Hard Shoulder"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for the original amp. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Get Lucky (2009). Get Lucky is the sixth solo studio album by British singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler, released on 14 September 2009 in Europe by Mercury Records, and on 15 September in the United States by Reprise Records. The Mark Knopfler Guitar Site's gear list for Get Lucky, which it credits to engineer Chuck Ainlay's notes on the MkNews fan site, puts the lead on a Gretsch 6120, on the bridge pickup or the neck and bridge together, played with a pick and whammy bar through a Tone King amp with reverb and tremolo; it names the amp as a Tone King without a model. A Gretsch G6120T-58 Vintage Select Chet Atkins through a Tone King Imperial MKII is the nearest current rig. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Hard Shoulder" Tone
What guitar did Mark Knopfler use on "Hard Shoulder"?
Mark Knopfler tracked "Hard Shoulder" on a Gretsch G6120T-58 Vintage Select '58 Chet Atkins Hollow Body (released 2009). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hard Shoulder" need?
On the original amp: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 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 "Hard Shoulder" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hard Shoulder" 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 "Hard Shoulder" by Mark Knopfler are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.