How to Dial In "Once in a Lifetime" by DragonForce - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Once in a Lifetime"
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 Sonic Firestorm (2004). Sonic Firestorm is the second studio album by British power metal band DragonForce, released through Noise Records on 11 May 2004. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Horizon NT-II through a Marshall JVM410H, the rig we use for DragonForce's other songs from Sonic Firestorm, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Once in a Lifetime" Tone
What guitar did DragonForce use on "Once in a Lifetime"?
The guitar on "Once in a Lifetime" (released 2004) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Once in a Lifetime" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Once in a Lifetime" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Once in a Lifetime" 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 "Once in a Lifetime" by DragonForce are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.