How to Dial In "Sea of Expanding Shapes" by Buckethead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sea of Expanding Shapes"
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 Bermuda Triangle (2002). Bermuda Triangle is the eighth studio album by Buckethead. The album is primarily an electronica-based collaboration with Extrakd, who also produced and mixed the album. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Peavey 5150, the nearest rig we use for Buckethead's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Sea of Expanding Shapes" Tone
What guitar did Buckethead use on "Sea of Expanding Shapes"?
The guitar on "Sea of Expanding Shapes" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Sea of Expanding Shapes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Sea of Expanding Shapes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sea of Expanding Shapes" 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 "Sea of Expanding Shapes" by Buckethead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.