How to Dial In "Signs of Life" by Pink Floyd - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Signs of Life"
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 A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987). A Momentary Lapse of Reason is the thirteenth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released in the UK on 7 September 1987 by EMI and the following day in the US by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster through a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, the rig we use for Pink Floyd's other songs from A Momentary Lapse of Reason, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Signs of Life" Tone
What guitar did Pink Floyd use on "Signs of Life"?
The guitar on "Signs of Life" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Signs of Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, 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 "Signs of Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Signs of Life" 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 "Signs of Life" by Pink Floyd are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.