Underdog album cover - Atlanta Rhythm Section
Guitar tone settings

How to Dial In "Do It or Die" by Atlanta Rhythm Section - Guitar Tone Settings

The rig

Gear for "Do It or Die"

Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.

The settings

Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning

Amp settings

Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.

Gain4
Bass5
Mid6
Treble6
Presence5
Volume6

On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.

Get the settings for my amp
Guitar setup

How the artist had their guitar configured for this take.

TuningStandard(E A D G B E)
Pickup selector
NeckNk+MdMiddleBr+MdBridge
Guitar knobs
Tone6
Volume8
Recording notes

From Underdog (1979). Underdog is a studio album by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, released in June 1979 on Polydor Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Atlanta Rhythm Section's other songs from Underdog, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.

FAQ

Common Questions About the "Do It or Die" Tone

  1. What guitar did Atlanta Rhythm Section use on "Do It or Die"?

    The guitar on "Do It or Die" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).

  2. What amp settings does "Do It or Die" need?

    Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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.

  3. Can I play "Do It or Die" without the original gear?

    Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Do It or Die" 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.

Related tones

Tone references for "Do It or Die" by Atlanta Rhythm Section are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.

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