🎸 Artist tone guide

How to get U2's guitar tone

U2 across 3 famous tones — mostly through Vox AC30, Vox AC30 — Telecaster. Here is where to start, then adapt any of it to the guitar and amp you actually own.

Starting point (averaged): gain 1.5 · bass 5 · mid 6 · treble 7 · presence 6 (out of 10)
🎛️ Get U2's tones on YOUR rig — free →

U2's go-to amps

Vox AC30 ×2Vox AC30 — Telecaster ×1

3 famous U2 tones

Where the Streets Have No Name
gain 2.5 · bass 4.5 · mid 5.5 · treble 7
Sunday Bloody Sunday
gain 2.5 · bass 5 · mid 5.5 · treble 7
With or Without You
gain 0 · bass 6 · mid 6.5 · treble 7.5

Rock amp settings

U2 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 U2's tone — FAQ

What amp settings does U2 use?

Averaged across 3 of their tones: gain 1.5, bass 5, mid 6, treble 7, presence 6 (out of 10). Adapt to your own amp.

What gear do I need to sound like U2?

They favour Vox AC30, Vox AC30 — Telecaster. 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 U2's guitar tone?

Start with their go-to gear (Vox AC30, Vox AC30 — Telecaster) and a starting EQ of gain 1.5, bass 5, mid 6, treble 7, presence 6 (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 U2'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.