How to Dial In "Heartbeat City" by The Cars - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heartbeat City"
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.
The title track of the 1984 album produced by Mutt Lange, the band's biggest record. Elliot Easton's guitar is tidy and economical, a bright rhythm sound and a short, melodic solo set among Greg Hawkes's synthesisers. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Stratocaster through a Marshall at moderate gain stands in. Use the middle-and-bridge position, keep the gain modest and play crisp, precise eighth notes.
Common Questions About the "Heartbeat City" Tone
What guitar did The Cars use on "Heartbeat City"?
The guitar on "Heartbeat City" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Heartbeat City" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Heartbeat City" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heartbeat City" 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 "Heartbeat City" by The Cars are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.