How to Dial In "Automatic" by Tokio Hotel - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Automatic"
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 Humanoid (2009). Humanoid is the fourth overall studio album by the German band Tokio Hotel, recorded in both German and English and released through Island Records and Cherrytree Records, with the German version released on 2 October 2009 and the English version on 6 October 2009. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Tokio Hotel's other songs from Humanoid, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Automatic" Tone
What guitar did Tokio Hotel use on "Automatic"?
The guitar on "Automatic" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Automatic" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Automatic" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Automatic" 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 "Automatic" by Tokio Hotel are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.