How to Dial In "Drag Queen" by The Strokes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Drag Queen"
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 Future Present Past (2016). A pared-back garage-rock song with a clean-edged lead line and a crisp, tightly strummed rhythm guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a moderate crunch. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Drag Queen" Tone
What guitar did The Strokes use on "Drag Queen"?
The guitar on "Drag Queen" (released 2016) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Drag Queen" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Drag Queen" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Drag Queen" 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 "Drag Queen" by The Strokes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.