Tone library / Mötley Crüe / Kickstart my heart

Kickstart my heart amp settings — Marshall DSL20HR

The Mötley Crüe guitar tone for “Kickstart my heart”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL20HR with a Ibanez GRG320FA-TKS. Studio version, Dr. Feelgood (1989)

Original rig

Kramer Baretta (Seymour Duncan JB humbucker) → Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive → Soldano SLO-100 + Marshall 4x12; also used a José Arredondo-modded 1973 Marshall Super Lead

Thick saturated high-gain, punchy mids, tight low-end, arena-ready driving tone with controlled aggression

Amp settings — Marshall DSL20HR

CHANNELUltra Gain (Green/Crunch mode)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	6
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

Use as a boost to tighten low-end and push mids into the amp's preamp section

Drive 4 · Tone 6 · Level 7

Why these settings

The DSL20HR's Ultra Gain channel delivers Marshall-voiced saturation similar to Mick Mars' Soldano/modded Marshall rig. The TS9 replicates his Boss SD-1 boost—tightens the low-end and adds mid presence. Gain set to 7 (not 8) because the DSL runs hotter than a stock Soldano; mid pushed to 7 to compensate for the Soldano's naturally punchier midrange voicing.

PRO TIPFor the iconic 'revving motorcycle' intro, use pinch harmonics on the open low E string with aggressive palm-muting and quick release—dig in hard with the pick at a 45° angle near the bridge pickup to nail that squealing attack.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshall DSL20HR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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