How to Dial In "Hot Thing" by Prince - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hot Thing"
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 Sign o' the Times (1987). Sign o' the Times is the ninth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Prince, released on 31 March 1987 by Paisley Park Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIB, the rig we use for Prince's other songs from Sign o' the Times, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hot Thing" Tone
What guitar did Prince use on "Hot Thing"?
The guitar on "Hot Thing" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hot Thing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Hot Thing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hot Thing" 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 "Hot Thing" by Prince are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.