How to Dial In "Fast and Loose" by Motörhead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Fast and Loose"
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 Ace of Spades (1980). Ace of Spades is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Motörhead, released in October 1980 via Bronze Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JMP 2203 Master Volume, the rig we use for Motörhead's other songs from Ace of Spades, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Fast and Loose" Tone
What guitar did Motörhead use on "Fast and Loose"?
The guitar on "Fast and Loose" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Fast and Loose" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7.5, Presence 7, Volume 8. 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 "Fast and Loose" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fast and Loose" 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 "Fast and Loose" by Motörhead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.