How to Dial In "Cross of Thorns" by Black Sabbath - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cross of Thorns"
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 Cross Purposes (1994). Cross Purposes is the seventeenth studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, first released through I.R.S. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Black Sabbath's other songs from Cross Purposes, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Cross of Thorns" Tone
What guitar did Black Sabbath use on "Cross of Thorns"?
The guitar on "Cross of Thorns" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Cross of Thorns" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, 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 "Cross of Thorns" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cross of Thorns" 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 "Cross of Thorns" by Black Sabbath are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.