How to Dial In "Why Do I Keep Counting?" by The Killers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Why Do I Keep Counting?"
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 Sam's Town (2006). Heavy, brooding arena rock with a thick rhythm guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Why Do I Keep Counting?" Tone
What guitar did The Killers use on "Why Do I Keep Counting?"?
The guitar on "Why Do I Keep Counting?" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Why Do I Keep Counting?" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 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 "Why Do I Keep Counting?" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Why Do I Keep Counting?" 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 "Why Do I Keep Counting?" by The Killers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.