🎸 Artist tone guide

How to get The Killers's guitar tone

The Killers across 3 famous tones — mostly through Vox AC30, Fender / Vox, Fender / Marshall. Here is where to start, then adapt any of it to the guitar and amp you actually own.

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

The Killers's go-to amps

Vox AC30 ×1Fender / Vox ×1Fender / Marshall ×1

3 famous The Killers tones

Somebody Told Me
gain 6 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 7
When You Were Young
gain 6 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 6
Mr. Brightside
gain 3.5 · bass 6 · mid 6 · treble 7

Indie amp settings

The Killers is a indie staple. See the best amp settings for indie — averaged EQ, go-to amps and a full how-to.

Similar artists

The SmithsKings of Leon

How to get The Killers's tone — FAQ

What amp settings does The Killers use?

Averaged across 3 of their tones: gain 5, bass 5.5, mid 6, treble 6.5, presence 5.5 (out of 10). Adapt to your own amp.

What gear do I need to sound like The Killers?

They favour Vox AC30, Fender / Vox, Fender / 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 The Killers's guitar tone?

Start with their go-to gear (Vox AC30, Fender / Vox, Fender / Marshall) and a starting EQ of gain 5, bass 5.5, mid 6, treble 6.5, presence 5.5 (out of 10), then dial in any of the 3 songs below. GuitarToneAdapt adapts each one to the exact amp and guitar you own, free.

Can I get The Killers'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.