How to Dial In "Bad Girl" by New York Dolls - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bad Girl"
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 New York Dolls (1973). New York Dolls is the debut studio album by the American rock band New York Dolls, released on July 27, 1973, by Mercury Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for New York Dolls' other songs from New York Dolls, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Bad Girl" Tone
What guitar did New York Dolls use on "Bad Girl"?
The guitar on "Bad Girl" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bad Girl" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Bad Girl" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bad Girl" 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 "Bad Girl" by New York Dolls are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.