How to Dial In "Dancing in the Street" by Van Halen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dancing in the Street"
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 Diver Down (1982). Diver Down is the fifth studio album by American rock band Van Halen, released on April 19, 1982, by Warner Bros. The song is a cover of the Martha and the Vandellas song. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an EVH Frankenstein Relic Series through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Van Halen's other songs from Diver Down, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Dancing in the Street" Tone
What guitar did Van Halen use on "Dancing in the Street"?
The guitar on "Dancing in the Street" (released 1982) isn't documented; the EVH Frankenstein Relic Series above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Dancing in the Street" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Dancing in the Street" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dancing in the Street" 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 "Dancing in the Street" by Van Halen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.