How to Dial In "Kill the Words" by D.R.I. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Kill the Words"
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 Thrash Zone (1989). Thrash Zone is the fifth album by the American crossover thrash band D.R.I., released in 1989. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for D.R.I.'s other songs from Thrash Zone, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Kill the Words" Tone
What guitar did D.R.I. use on "Kill the Words"?
The guitar on "Kill the Words" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Kill the Words" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Kill the Words" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Kill the Words" 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 "Kill the Words" by D.R.I. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.