How to Dial In "Blue in the Face" by Alkaline Trio - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Blue in the Face"
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 Good Mourning (2003). A fast, melodic punk-rock song with bright, chugging power chords and a catchy lead line. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a classic hard-rock crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Blue in the Face" Tone
What guitar did Alkaline Trio use on "Blue in the Face"?
The guitar on "Blue in the Face" (released 2003) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Blue in the Face" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Blue in the Face" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Blue in the Face" 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 "Blue in the Face" by Alkaline Trio are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.