How to Dial In "Reasons to Live" by DragonForce - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Reasons to Live"
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 Ultra Beatdown (2008). Ultra Beatdown is the fourth studio album by British power metal band DragonForce, released on 20 August 2008 in Japan through Victor Entertainment and on 26 August 2008 worldwide through Roadrunner Records and Spinefarm Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez RG550 Genesis through an Engl Powerball II, the rig we use for DragonForce's other songs from Ultra Beatdown, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Reasons to Live" Tone
What guitar did DragonForce use on "Reasons to Live"?
The guitar on "Reasons to Live" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Ibanez RG550 Genesis above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Reasons to Live" 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 "Reasons to Live" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Reasons to Live" 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 "Reasons to Live" by DragonForce are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.