How to Dial In "Nocturnal Fear" by Celtic Frost - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Nocturnal Fear"
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 Morbid Tales (1984). Morbid Tales is the debut EP and album by the Swiss extreme metal band Celtic Frost. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Celtic Frost's other songs from Morbid Tales, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Nocturnal Fear" Tone
What guitar did Celtic Frost use on "Nocturnal Fear"?
The guitar on "Nocturnal Fear" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Nocturnal Fear" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Nocturnal Fear" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Nocturnal Fear" 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 "Nocturnal Fear" by Celtic Frost are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.