How to Dial In "Two Hearts Beat as One" by U2 - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Two Hearts Beat as One"
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.
A track on War, released in February 1983 and produced by Steve Lillywhite, with a fast, driving rhythm and The Edge's chiming, delay-driven guitar line over Adam Clayton's bass. The Edge's early-1980s sound is documented as a Gibson Explorer through a Vox AC30 with an analog delay, so that rig is used here. Use the bridge pickup, a bright, clean-to-edge-of-breakup tone and a repeating delay timed to the beat.
Common Questions About the "Two Hearts Beat as One" Tone
What guitar did U2 use on "Two Hearts Beat as One"?
U2 tracked "Two Hearts Beat as One" on a Gibson Explorer (released 1983). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Two Hearts Beat as One" need?
On an AC30: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 5.5, 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 "Two Hearts Beat as One" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Two Hearts Beat as One" 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 "Two Hearts Beat as One"?
The original signal chain for "Two Hearts Beat as One" 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 "Two Hearts Beat as One" by U2 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.