🎸 Artist tone guide

How to get David Bowie's guitar tone

David Bowie across 4 famous tones — mostly through Marshall Major "The Pig", Hiwatt, Marshall. Here is where to start, then adapt any of it to the guitar and amp you actually own.

Starting point (averaged): gain 5.5 · bass 5 · mid 6.5 · treble 6 · presence 5.5 (out of 10)
🎛️ Get David Bowie's tones on YOUR rig — free →

David Bowie's go-to amps

Marshall Major "The Pig" ×2Hiwatt ×1Marshall ×1

4 famous David Bowie tones

Heroes
gain 6 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 6
Suffragette City
gain 6 · bass 5 · mid 7 · treble 6.5
Ziggy Stardust
gain 5.5 · bass 5 · mid 7 · treble 6
Rebel Rebel
gain 5 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 6

Rock amp settings

David Bowie is a rock staple. See the best amp settings for rock — averaged EQ, go-to amps and a full how-to.

Similar artists

Pink FloydNirvanaAlice in ChainsGuns N' RosesBon JoviMy Chemical RomanceThe BeatlesVan Halen

How to get David Bowie's tone — FAQ

What amp settings does David Bowie use?

Averaged across 4 of their tones: gain 5.5, bass 5, mid 6.5, treble 6, presence 5.5 (out of 10). Adapt to your own amp.

What gear do I need to sound like David Bowie?

They favour Marshall Major "The Pig", Hiwatt, Marshall. You do not need the exact rig — GuitarToneAdapt re-dials their tones for the guitar and amp you already own, free.

How do I get David Bowie's guitar tone?

Start with their go-to gear (Marshall Major "The Pig", Hiwatt, Marshall) and a starting EQ of gain 5.5, bass 5, mid 6.5, treble 6, presence 5.5 (out of 10), then dial in any of the 4 songs below. GuitarToneAdapt adapts each one to the exact amp and guitar you own, free.

Can I get David Bowie's tone on a different amp or guitar?

Yes. You do not need their exact rig — GuitarToneAdapt models how their gear shapes the sound and compensates for whatever amp, guitar and pedals you already have, free in the browser.

Settings are community-researched estimates. Adapt any to your gear at GuitarToneAdapt · amp settings · tuning chart · all 1,200+ tones.