How to Dial In "Metro Balderas" by El Tri - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Metro Balderas"
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 Simplemente (1985). Gritty, blues-based Mexican rock with a raw, overdriven guitar. The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a light-to-medium crunch on the bridge pickup and dig in harder for the louder sections. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Metro Balderas" Tone
What guitar did El Tri use on "Metro Balderas"?
The guitar on "Metro Balderas" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Metro Balderas" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Metro Balderas" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Metro Balderas" 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 "Metro Balderas" by El Tri are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.