How to Dial In "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Coming Up"
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 McCartney II (1980). McCartney II is the third solo studio album by the English musician Paul McCartney, released on 16 May 1980. The album's Wikipedia article says McCartney played every instrument himself, including acoustic and electric guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig we use for Paul McCartney's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Coming Up" Tone
What guitar did Paul McCartney use on "Coming Up"?
The guitar on "Coming Up" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Coming Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, 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 "Coming Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Coming Up" 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 "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.