How to Dial In "Modern Magic Formula" by Biffy Clyro - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Modern Magic Formula"
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 Opposites (2013). Opposites is the sixth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, which was released on 28 January 2013. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Biffy Clyro's other songs from Opposites, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop C♯ (C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯), a half step below drop C.
Common Questions About the "Modern Magic Formula" Tone
What guitar did Biffy Clyro use on "Modern Magic Formula"?
The guitar on "Modern Magic Formula" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster 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 "Modern Magic Formula" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, 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 "Modern Magic Formula" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Modern Magic Formula" 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 "Modern Magic Formula" by Biffy Clyro are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.