How to Dial In "Interesting Drug" by Morrissey - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Interesting Drug"
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 Bona Drag (1990). Bona Drag is a compilation album by the English rock singer Morrissey, released on 15 October 1990 by His Master's Voice. The song's Wikipedia article says the music was written by Stephen Street and that it was the second and final Morrissey solo single to feature his former Smiths bandmates Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon. It does not name any guitar or amp, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, a jangly clean-to-light-crunch indie pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Interesting Drug" Tone
What guitar did Morrissey use on "Interesting Drug"?
The guitar on "Interesting Drug" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Interesting Drug" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Interesting Drug" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Interesting Drug" 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 "Interesting Drug" by Morrissey are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.