How to Dial In "Sarah" by Thin Lizzy - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sarah"
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 Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979). Black Rose: A Rock Legend is the ninth studio album by Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. The song's Wikipedia article says Gary Moore, who wrote it with Phil Lynott, played all of the guitar on the track, with neither Scott Gorham nor Brian Downey appearing, and that he mostly composed it on an acoustic guitar. It does not name his guitar or amp, so so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender Deluxe Reverb, a warm, lightly driven pop-rock pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Sarah" Tone
What guitar did Thin Lizzy use on "Sarah"?
The guitar on "Sarah" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Sarah" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Sarah" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sarah" 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 "Sarah" by Thin Lizzy are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.