How to Dial In "Monkey on Your Back" by Aldo Nova - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Monkey on Your Back"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Subject...Aldo Nova (1983). Subject...Aldo Nova is the second studio album by Canadian rock musician Aldo Nova, released in 1983. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Aldo Nova's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Monkey on Your Back" Tone
What guitar did Aldo Nova use on "Monkey on Your Back"?
The guitar on "Monkey on Your Back" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Monkey on Your Back" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Monkey on Your Back" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Monkey on Your Back" 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 "Monkey on Your Back" by Aldo Nova are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.