How to Dial In "I Fall Down" by U2 - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "I Fall Down"
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 an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From October (1981). A moody, chiming track where the guitar rings over a restless piano line. The Edge has said that a Gibson Explorer, a Memory Man Deluxe and a Vox AC30 get you most of the sounds on Boy, October and War. That is the rig dialled in here, though nothing ties it to this song alone: a Gibson Explorer into a Vox AC30 C2 with Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "I Fall Down" Tone
What guitar did U2 use on "I Fall Down"?
U2 tracked "I Fall Down" on a Gibson Explorer (released 1981). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "I Fall Down" need?
On an AC30: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "I Fall Down" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Fall Down" 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.
What pedals are on "I Fall Down"?
The original signal chain for "I Fall Down" runs through Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "I Fall Down" by U2 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.