How to Dial In "Freak" by Bruce Dickinson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Freak"
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 Accident of Birth (1997). Accident of Birth is the fourth studio album by Bruce Dickinson, released on 3 June 1997 through Castle Communications' sublabel Raw Power in the UK and through CMC International in the US. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Bruce Dickinson's other songs from Accident of Birth, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Freak" Tone
What guitar did Bruce Dickinson use on "Freak"?
The guitar on "Freak" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Freak" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Freak" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Freak" 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 "Freak" by Bruce Dickinson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.