How to Dial In "Heart of Stone" by The Rolling Stones - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heart of Stone"
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.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote it, and the Rolling Stones recorded it in October 1964 at RCA Studios in Hollywood with Andrew Loog Oldham producing. London Records released it as a US single in December 1964 with "What a Shame" on the B-side, and it reached number 19, their second US top-20 hit. It is on The Rolling Stones, Now! (February 1965) in the US and Out of Our Heads (September 1965) in the UK. Richards played lead guitar and Brian Jones baritone and rhythm guitar, with Bill Wyman on bass, Charlie Watts on drums and Jack Nitzsche on tambourine and piano. Richie Unterberger heard in it the kind of "vaguely discordant, droning guitars" found on many of the band's early slow numbers. No source names the guitar, amp or effects. Play the arpeggiated chords and the stinging fills on the bridge pickup with a warm amp just on the edge of break-up. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Heart of Stone" Tone
What guitar did The Rolling Stones use on "Heart of Stone"?
The guitar on "Heart of Stone" (released 1964) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Heart of Stone" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Heart of Stone" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heart of Stone" 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 "Heart of Stone" by The Rolling Stones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.