How to Dial In "Actually Romantic" by Taylor Swift - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Actually Romantic"
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 The Life of a Showgirl (2025). The Life of a Showgirl is the twelfth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The song's Wikipedia article describes its arrangement as built around a grunge electric guitar motif. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Taylor Swift's other songs from The Life of a Showgirl, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Actually Romantic" Tone
What guitar did Taylor Swift use on "Actually Romantic"?
The guitar on "Actually Romantic" (released 2025) 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 "Actually Romantic" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Actually Romantic" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Actually Romantic" 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 "Actually Romantic" by Taylor Swift are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.