How to Dial In "Star Star" by The Rolling Stones - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Star Star"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Twin Reverb. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
An unabashed Chuck Berry pastiche, right down to the double-stop intro and the shuffle — which makes it the one place on Goats Head Soup where Keith is playing conventional rock and roll rhythm in standard tuning rather than his five-string open G. Recorded 1972-73 in Jamaica and Los Angeles with Jimmy Miller. Keep the gain low and the mids and treble high: this is a bright, snapping tone with the amp barely breaking up, and every bit of grit should come from hitting the strings hard. Play the double-stops with a stiff wrist and let them ring rather than muting. The song was nearly left off the album over its lyric.
Common Questions About the "Star Star" Tone
What guitar did The Rolling Stones use on "Star Star"?
The Rolling Stones tracked "Star Star" on a Telecaster (released 1973). The Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Star Star" need?
On a Twin Reverb: Gain 5, Bass 4.5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Star Star" without a Twin Reverb?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Star Star" 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 "Star Star" by The Rolling Stones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.