How to Dial In "Say Say Say" by Paul McCartney - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Say Say Say"
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 Pipes of Peace (1983). Pipes of Peace is the fifth solo album by the English singer-songwriter Paul McCartney, released on 31 October 1983 through Parlophone and Columbia Records. The song's Wikipedia article credits David Williams with the rhythm guitar. It does not name the guitar or amp, 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. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Say Say Say" Tone
What guitar did Paul McCartney use on "Say Say Say"?
The guitar on "Say Say Say" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Say Say Say" 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 "Say Say Say" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Say Say Say" 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 "Say Say Say" by Paul McCartney are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.