How to Dial In "World Leader Pretend" by R.E.M. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "World Leader Pretend"
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 Green (1988). Green is the sixth studio album by American rock band R.E.M., released in the United States on November 8, 1988, 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 Green, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "World Leader Pretend" Tone
What guitar did R.E.M. use on "World Leader Pretend"?
The guitar on "World Leader Pretend" (released 1988) 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 "World Leader Pretend" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "World Leader Pretend" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "World Leader Pretend" 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 "World Leader Pretend" by R.E.M. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.