How to Dial In "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" by Mike + The Mechanics - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)"
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 Mike + The Mechanics (1985). The band's 1985 debut single, written by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford, with a clean-to-crunchy electric guitar riff and a soaring lead line. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Set the amp at a light edge-of-breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" Tone
What guitar did Mike + The Mechanics use on "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)"?
The guitar on "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" 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 "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)" by Mike + The Mechanics are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.