How to Dial In "Dear God" by XTC - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dear God"
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 Skylarking (1986). Skylarking is the ninth studio album by the English rock band XTC, released 27 October 1986 on Virgin Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for XTC's other songs from Skylarking, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Dear God" Tone
What guitar did XTC use on "Dear God"?
The guitar on "Dear God" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Dear God" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Dear God" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dear God" 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 "Dear God" by XTC are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.