How to Dial In "Death" by White Lies - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Death"
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 a Vox AC30 C2. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. Openly indebted to Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen, and the guitar reflects that lineage: bright, chorused, delay-heavy and played high on the neck with the low strings left to the bass and synth. Keep the gain low and the bass control well down, and set chorus and delay prominently — the size of this record comes from effects and reverb, not from distortion. Harry McVeigh's part is largely single notes and two-note shapes rather than full chords. Recorded 2008 with Ed Buller, who also produced Suede, and the album's very wide, reverberant sound is characteristic of his work. The song has substantially outlived the band's chart profile on streaming.
Common Questions About the "Death" Tone
What guitar did White Lies use on "Death"?
White Lies tracked "Death" on a Jazzmaster (released 2009). The Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Death" need?
On Vox AC30 C2: Gain 4, Bass 4.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Death" without a Vox AC30 C2?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Death" 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 "Death"?
The original signal chain for "Death" runs through Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, Boss CE-2 Chorus. 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 "Death" by White Lies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.