How to Dial In "Survival" by Bob Marley & The Wailers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Survival"
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 Survival (1979). Survival is the eleventh studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in 1979. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P-90 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Bob Marley & The Wailers' other songs from Survival, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Survival" Tone
What guitar did Bob Marley & The Wailers use on "Survival"?
The guitar on "Survival" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P-90 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Survival" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1.5, Bass 3.5, Mid 5, Treble 7.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 5. 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 "Survival" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Survival" 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 "Survival" by Bob Marley & The Wailers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.