How to Dial In "Swan Song" by Down - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Swan Song"
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 NOLA (1995). NOLA is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Down, released on September 19, 1995, by EastWest Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Down's other songs from NOLA, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in C♯ standard (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯), three half steps below standard.
Common Questions About the "Swan Song" Tone
What guitar did Down use on "Swan Song"?
The guitar on "Swan Song" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s 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 "Swan Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Swan Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Swan Song" 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 "Swan Song" by Down are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.