How to Dial In "The Illusion of Power" by Black Sabbath - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Illusion of Power"
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 Forbidden (1995). Forbidden is a studio album by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on 5 June 1995 by I.R.S. Records. The album's personnel list credits Tony Iommi with guitars. 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 Forbidden, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "The Illusion of Power" Tone
What guitar did Black Sabbath use on "The Illusion of Power"?
The guitar on "The Illusion of Power" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Illusion of Power" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "The Illusion of Power" 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 Illusion of Power" 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 Illusion of Power" by Black Sabbath are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.