How to Dial In "Lizard Life" by ZZ Top - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Lizard Life"
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 Antenna (1994). Antenna is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top, released in 1994. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for ZZ Top's other songs from Antenna, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Lizard Life" Tone
What guitar did ZZ Top use on "Lizard Life"?
The guitar on "Lizard Life" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Lizard Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 7, 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 "Lizard Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Lizard Life" 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 "Lizard Life" by ZZ Top are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.