How to Dial In "Space Invader" by The Pretenders - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Space Invader"
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 Pretenders (1980). Pretenders is the debut studio album by British-American band the Pretenders, released on 11 January 1980. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for The Pretenders' other songs from Pretenders, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Space Invader" Tone
What guitar did The Pretenders use on "Space Invader"?
The guitar on "Space Invader" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Space Invader" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Space Invader" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Space Invader" 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 "Space Invader" by The Pretenders are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.