How to Dial In "Heart Attack Man" by Beastie Boys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heart Attack Man"
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 Ill Communication (1994). Ill Communication is the fourth studio album by the American hip-hop group Beastie Boys, released on May 23, 1994, by Grand Royal and Capitol Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Beastie Boys' other songs from Ill Communication, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Heart Attack Man" Tone
What guitar did Beastie Boys use on "Heart Attack Man"?
The guitar on "Heart Attack Man" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Heart Attack Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Heart Attack Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heart Attack Man" 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 "Heart Attack Man" by Beastie Boys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.