How to Dial In "Wake Up Dead Man" by U2 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Wake Up Dead Man"
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.
The closing track of Pop (1997). A slow, brooding song where the Edge's guitar adds sparse, gritty swells and textures. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Explorer through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to medium gain with the tone left open and wide. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Wake Up Dead Man" Tone
What guitar did U2 use on "Wake Up Dead Man"?
The guitar on "Wake Up Dead Man" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Gibson Explorer above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Wake Up Dead Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Wake Up Dead Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wake Up Dead Man" 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 "Wake Up Dead Man" by U2 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.