Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To recreate the gritty, hypnotic tone of 'Do I Wanna Know?' by Arctic Monkeys, we'll use the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster and the Fender Mustang LT25. The Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities allow us to approximate the Vox AC30 character with a crunchy, mid-forward tone. We'll use the 'OCTOBOT ONE NOTE' preset to achieve the necessary fuzz and octave effects, although the octave effect is not perfectly replicated. The Stratocaster's bright single-coils will be adjusted to mimic the humbucker sound.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster — main riff
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Master Volume | 8 | Roll back to control the brightness of the single-coils, emulating a humbucker's warmth. |
| Tone 1 | 7 | Smooths out the high end for a more mid-focused tone. |
| Tone 2 | 7 | Balances the bridge pickup's brightness, aligning with the song's mid-forward character. |
| 5-Position Blade Switch | Bridge Pickup | Selects the bridge pickup for a cutting, articulate attack. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — amplification and effects
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [16] OCTOBOT ONE NOTE | Chosen for its fuzz character and ability to approximate the octave effect, matching the song's signature tone. |
| Gain | 7 | Pushes the amp into a crunchy, saturated sound, emulating the Coopersonic Valveslapper's distortion. |
| Volume | 6 | Balances output level with the desired saturation, maintaining clarity without overpowering. |
| Treble | 6 | Enhances the bright, cutting edge of the tone without becoming harsh. |
| Bass | 5 | Keeps the low end tight and controlled, matching the recording's mid-forward focus. |
| Master | 5 | Sets overall output level for consistent intensity and minimal dynamic variation. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
What Arctic Monkeys actually used
The recording of 'Do I Wanna Know?' features Alex Turner playing a Gretsch G6128T Duo Jet 12-string electric guitar through a Coopersonic Valveslapper Dual-Valve Distortion pedal into a Vox AC30 amplifier. The production, handled by James Ford and Ross Orton, utilized tape saturation to achieve the song's distinctive tone.
- Gretsch G6128T Duo Jet — main riff. 12-string electric guitar
- Coopersonic Valveslapper Dual-Valve Distortion — distortion effect
- Vox AC30 — amplification
- Tape saturation — studio processing
Tuning: Standard
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://equipboard.com/albums/arctic-monkeys-do-i-wanna-know
- https://www.artificial-monkeys.com/arctic-monkeys-gear-and-sound.php