How to Dial In "A Song for the Optimists" by Atreyu - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "A Song for the Optimists"
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 Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses (2002). Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses is the debut studio album by American rock band Atreyu. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EX-351 through a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, the rig we use for Atreyu's other songs from Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop C (C G C F A D).
Common Questions About the "A Song for the Optimists" Tone
What guitar did Atreyu use on "A Song for the Optimists"?
The guitar on "A Song for the Optimists" (released 2002) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EX-351 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop C (C G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "A Song for the Optimists" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "A Song for the Optimists" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A Song for the Optimists" 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 "A Song for the Optimists" by Atreyu are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.