How to Dial In "American Girls" by Triumph - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "American Girls"
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 Just a Game (1979). Just a Game is the third studio album by Canadian hard rock band Triumph, released in March 1979 by Attic Records. The album's personnel list credits Rik Emmett with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Triumph's other songs from Just a Game, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "American Girls" Tone
What guitar did Triumph use on "American Girls"?
The guitar on "American Girls" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "American Girls" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 7. 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 "American Girls" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "American Girls" 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 "American Girls" by Triumph are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.