How to Dial In "Taking Pictures of You" by The Kooks - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Taking Pictures of You"
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 Junk of the Heart (2011). A mid-tempo indie-rock song with bright, jangly guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an Epiphone Casino through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Taking Pictures of You" Tone
What guitar did The Kooks use on "Taking Pictures of You"?
The guitar on "Taking Pictures of You" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Epiphone Casino above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Taking Pictures of You" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Taking Pictures of You" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Taking Pictures of You" 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 "Taking Pictures of You" by The Kooks are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.