How to Dial In "Key to the Gate" by Burzum - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Key to the Gate"
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 Det som engang var (1993). Det som engang var (Norwegian for What Once Was) is the second studio album by the Norwegian black metal solo project Burzum. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EC-1000 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, a saturated black-metal pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a saturated high-gain setting and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Key to the Gate" Tone
What guitar did Burzum use on "Key to the Gate"?
The guitar on "Key to the Gate" (released 1993) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EC-1000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Key to the Gate" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Key to the Gate" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Key to the Gate" 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 "Key to the Gate" by Burzum are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.