How to Dial In "Hero" by Michael Kiwanuka - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hero"
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 Kiwanuka (2019). Kiwanuka is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, released on 1 November 2019. 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, a common rig for this kind of sound, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Hero" Tone
What guitar did Michael Kiwanuka use on "Hero"?
The guitar on "Hero" (released 2019) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hero" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Hero" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hero" 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 "Hero" by Michael Kiwanuka are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.