How to Dial In "Tainted Blood" by Blue Öyster Cult - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Tainted Blood"
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 The Symbol Remains (2020). The Symbol Remains is the fourteenth studio album by American rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released on October 9, 2020. 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 Blue Öyster Cult's other songs from The Symbol Remains, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Tainted Blood" Tone
What guitar did Blue Öyster Cult use on "Tainted Blood"?
The guitar on "Tainted Blood" (released 2020) 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 "Tainted Blood" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Tainted Blood" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Tainted Blood" 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 "Tainted Blood" by Blue Öyster Cult are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.