How to Dial In "Ghetto Defendant" by The Clash - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ghetto Defendant"
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 Combat Rock (1982). Combat Rock is the fifth studio album by the English rock band the Clash, released on 14 May 1982 through CBS Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Joe Strummer Telecaster (Signature) through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for The Clash's other songs from Combat Rock, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Ghetto Defendant" Tone
What guitar did The Clash use on "Ghetto Defendant"?
The guitar on "Ghetto Defendant" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender Joe Strummer Telecaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Ghetto Defendant" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "Ghetto Defendant" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ghetto Defendant" 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 "Ghetto Defendant" by The Clash are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.