How to Dial In "IOU" by Metric - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "IOU"
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 Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? (2003). Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is the debut album by the Canadian indie rock band Metric, released on September 2, 2003, through Enjoy Records and Last Gang Records in Canada; it went Gold in Canada. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Marshall 1987X 50W Plexi Reissue, the rig we use for Metric's other songs from Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "IOU" Tone
What guitar did Metric use on "IOU"?
The guitar on "IOU" (released 2003) 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 "IOU" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "IOU" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "IOU" 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 "IOU" by Metric are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.