How to Dial In "The Hammer" by Dethklok - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Hammer"
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 Dethalbum III (2012). Dethalbum III is the third full-length album by virtual death metal band Dethklok, from the Adult Swim animated series Metalocalypse. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Explorer through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the rig we use for Dethklok's other songs from Dethalbum III, stands in. Set the amp to a saturated high-gain setting and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in C standard (C F B♭ E♭ G C), two whole steps below standard.
Common Questions About the "The Hammer" Tone
What guitar did Dethklok use on "The Hammer"?
The guitar on "The Hammer" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Gibson Explorer above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in C Standard (C F B♭ E♭ G C), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "The Hammer" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "The Hammer" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Hammer" 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 "The Hammer" by Dethklok are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.