How to Dial In "Moon Rocks" by Talking Heads - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Moon Rocks"
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 Speaking in Tongues (1983). Speaking in Tongues is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Talking Heads, released on June 1, 1983, by Sire Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Talking Heads' other songs from Speaking in Tongues, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Moon Rocks" Tone
What guitar did Talking Heads use on "Moon Rocks"?
The guitar on "Moon Rocks" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Moon Rocks" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, 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 "Moon Rocks" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Moon Rocks" 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 "Moon Rocks" by Talking Heads are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.