How to Dial In "Swinging the Chain" by Black Sabbath - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Swinging the Chain"
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 Never Say Die! (1978). Never Say Die! is the eighth studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on 29 September 1978. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Black Sabbath's other songs from Never Say Die!, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Swinging the Chain" Tone
What guitar did Black Sabbath use on "Swinging the Chain"?
The guitar on "Swinging the Chain" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Swinging the Chain" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Swinging the Chain" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Swinging the Chain" 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 "Swinging the Chain" by Black Sabbath are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.