How to Dial In "The Stranger" by Black Label Society - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Stranger"
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 Engines of Demolition (2026). Engines of Demolition is the twelfth studio album by American heavy metal band Black Label Society. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Black Label Society's other songs from Engines of Demolition, stands in. Set the amp to a saturated high-gain setting and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop B (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯).
Common Questions About the "The Stranger" Tone
What guitar did Black Label Society use on "The Stranger"?
The guitar on "The Stranger" (released 2026) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop B (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "The Stranger" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8.5, Bass 6.5, Mid 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 "The Stranger" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Stranger" 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 "The Stranger" by Black Label Society are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.