How to Dial In "Most People Are DJs" by The Hold Steady - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Most People Are DJs"
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 Almost Killed Me (2004). Almost Killed Me is the debut studio album by Brooklyn-based rock band the Hold Steady, released on March 16, 2004, on Frenchkiss Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for The Hold Steady's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Most People Are DJs" Tone
What guitar did The Hold Steady use on "Most People Are DJs"?
The guitar on "Most People Are DJs" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Most People Are DJs" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Most People Are DJs" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Most People Are DJs" 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 "Most People Are DJs" by The Hold Steady are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.