How to Dial In "Shout" by Tears for Fears - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Shout"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These are the numbers on the record. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
IMPORTANT: the famous hook of 'Shout' is a synth, not a guitar — Wikipedia describes the track as built from 'power chords, heavy percussion, a synth bass solo and a vocal-sounding synth riff' over an E-mu Drumulator loop. This entry represents the long overdriven lead guitar solo (and the power-chord stabs behind it), which Wikipedia's personnel credits to Roland Orzabal. It is a sustaining, mid-forward bridge-pickup lead sound sitting in a big 80s ambient wash — vibrato and long held bends matter far more than gain, and the part is played over a static two-chord vamp so phrasing carries it.
Common Questions About the "Shout" Tone
What guitar did Tears for Fears use on "Shout"?
Tears for Fears tracked "Shout" on a Stratocaster (released 1984). The Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Shout" need?
On the original amp: Gain 6, Bass 4, Mid 7, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Shout" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shout" 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 "Shout" by Tears for Fears are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.