How to Dial In "Try Not to Breathe" by R.E.M. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Try Not to Breathe"
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 Automatic for the People (1992). Automatic for the People is the eighth studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on October 5, 1992 in the United Kingdom and Europe, and on the following day in the United States, by Warner Bros. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for R.E.M.'s other songs from Automatic for the People, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Try Not to Breathe" Tone
What guitar did R.E.M. use on "Try Not to Breathe"?
The guitar on "Try Not to Breathe" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Try Not to Breathe" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Try Not to Breathe" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Try Not to Breathe" 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 "Try Not to Breathe" by R.E.M. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.