How to Dial In "This Is Us" by Mark Knopfler - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "This Is Us"
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 All the Roadrunning (2006). A gentle, loping duet where the Stratocaster stays clean and chiming behind the voices. Guitar World's report on Mark Knopfler's rig says his guitar tech used three signature Stratocasters and vintage Strats alongside Pensa-Suhr guitars, signature Les Pauls, a Grosh Electrajet and a Danelectro 59 DC on Down the Road Wherever, and that his amps were profiled onto Kemper Profilers for the 2019 tour; none of that is tied to this song. So a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster into a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "This Is Us" Tone
What guitar did Mark Knopfler use on "This Is Us"?
The guitar on "This Is Us" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "This Is Us" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "This Is Us" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "This Is Us" 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 "This Is Us" by Mark Knopfler are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.