How to Dial In "Painted Desert" by Pat Benatar - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Painted Desert"
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 Tropico (1984). Tropico is the fifth studio album by American rock singer Pat Benatar, released on November 1, 1984, by Chrysalis Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Pat Benatar's other songs from Tropico, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Painted Desert" Tone
What guitar did Pat Benatar use on "Painted Desert"?
The guitar on "Painted Desert" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Painted Desert" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Painted Desert" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Painted Desert" 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 "Painted Desert" by Pat Benatar are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.