How to Dial In "Rats in the Cellar" by Aerosmith - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Rats in the Cellar"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Written as a deliberate companion to 'Toys in the Attic' — the title inverts it, and so does the song, taking the same breakneck boogie idea further and dirtier. Rocks was recorded in 1976 largely at the band's own Wherehouse rehearsal space using a mobile truck, which is why it sounds rawer and more live than Toys in the Attic. That is the useful production note: this is a band playing together at volume, not a layered studio construction, so resist doubling and tightening. Standard tuning. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford trade and overlap constantly. Keep the gain in Plexi territory, mids up, and let the timing breathe — the swing in the riff is the whole thing and quantising it kills it.
Common Questions About the "Rats in the Cellar" Tone
What guitar did Aerosmith use on "Rats in the Cellar"?
Aerosmith tracked "Rats in the Cellar" on a Les Paul (released 1976). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rats in the Cellar" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 6, Bass 4.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Rats in the Cellar" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rats in the Cellar" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Rats in the Cellar" by Aerosmith are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.