Tone Settings for Video Games by Lana Del Rey (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set master volume to around 7–8 for a soft, dynamic feel.
• Use guitar volume knob to clean up the tone; keep it slightly rolled back around 6–7.
• Amp should be set for clean headroom—avoid pushing into breakup.

2. Tone

• Roll off the tone knob slightly—around 4–6—for a smoother, subdued top end.
• Aim for a mellow and ambient sound with minimal treble.
• Delay and subtle reverb contribute heavily to the ambience—set delay to quarter/half-note repeats with moderate mix.

3. Pickup Selector

• Neck pickup is ideal for warmth and smoothness.
• Use middle position (neck + bridge or neck + middle on Strat-style) for additional clarity if needed without harshness.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbuckers are preferred for a thicker, smoother tone without high-end harshness.
• If using single coils (as in a Strat-style), compensate with tone knob and use of neck pickup to soften brightness.

5. Ideal Guitar Type (Strat-style Electric)

• Strat-style with HSS configuration (humbucker in bridge, single coils in middle and neck) offers maximum flexibility.
• Use the neck single-coil or middle for clean and lush tones.
• Rosewood fretboard adds warmth; ideal for subdued tone control.

• Fender Jazzmaster: Ideal for smooth, ambient clean tones
• Epiphone Casino: Hollow body offers warm, vintage textures
• Strymon BigSky Reverb: Essential for lush, spacious effects
• Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb: Simple yet effective reverb for dreamy layers
• Boss DD-8 Digital Delay: Adds subtle depth and atmosphere
• TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2: Versatile reverb with toneprint capability
• Fender Blues Junior Amp: Tube warmth complements atmospheric playing
• Vox AC15: Classic chime and breakup for dynamic clean tones
• Ernie Ball Volume Pedal: Useful for swell effects and expression
• MXR Dyna Comp Compressor: Smoothes out dynamics for consistent feel

• Use a slow tempo to maintain the original’s melancholic atmosphere.
• Apply subtle reverb to vocals for a dreamy, distant effect.
• Emphasize dynamic contrast; keep verses soft and build gradually.
• Select warm, analog-style synths or piano for the main harmonic base.
• Avoid overproduction; minimalism enhances emotional tone.
• Double-track vocals sparingly to add depth without clutter.
• Stay in the original key (Bb minor) unless adapting to vocal range.
• Use legato phrasing in both vocals and instrumental lines.
• Maintain a lo-fi or vintage feel for authenticity.
• Prioritize emotional expression over technical precision in delivery.