How to Dial In "Trying to Be Cool" by Phoenix - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Trying to Be Cool"
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 Bankrupt! (2013). Bankrupt! is the fifth studio album by the French band Phoenix, released on 19 April 2013 by Loyauté, Glassnote and Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Phoenix's other songs from Bankrupt!, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Trying to Be Cool" Tone
What guitar did Phoenix use on "Trying to Be Cool"?
The guitar on "Trying to Be Cool" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Trying to Be Cool" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Trying to Be Cool" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Trying to Be Cool" 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 "Trying to Be Cool" by Phoenix are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.