How to Dial In "Fireball" by Deep Purple - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Fireball"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Opens with the sound of an air conditioner starting up rather than a synthesiser — the band used the studio's unit as an intro effect. Ian Paice plays double bass drum here, unusually for him, and the tempo is fast enough that this is often cited as a precursor to speed metal. Standard tuning. Blackmore's scalloped Stratocaster into modified Marshall Major heads with the treble boost built into the amp, which is why a Strat into a stock Marshall sounds dull by comparison. Recorded 1970-71. Keep the bass down and the treble up and the gain moderate: the riff moves quickly and needs articulation, and Blackmore's bite comes from picking attack rather than saturation.
Common Questions About the "Fireball" Tone
What guitar did Deep Purple use on "Fireball"?
Deep Purple tracked "Fireball" on a Stratocaster (released 1971). The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Fireball" need?
On Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig': Gain 6.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7.5, Presence 7, Volume 8. 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 "Fireball" without a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fireball" 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 "Fireball" by Deep Purple are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.