How to Dial In "Shadows of Life" by Dokken - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shadows of Life"
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 Dysfunctional (1995). Dysfunctional is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1995. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP GL-56 George Lynch Signature through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Dokken's other songs from Dysfunctional, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Shadows of Life" Tone
What guitar did Dokken use on "Shadows of Life"?
The guitar on "Shadows of Life" (released 1995) isn't documented; the ESP GL-56 George Lynch Signature above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Shadows of Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Shadows of Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shadows of Life" 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 "Shadows of Life" by Dokken are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.