How to Dial In "Architect of Pain" by Exodus - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Architect of Pain"
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 Force of Habit (1992). Force of Habit is the fifth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus, released on 25 August 1992 by Capitol Records. The album's personnel list credits Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Exodus' other songs from Force of Habit, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D standard (D G C F A D), a whole step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Architect of Pain" Tone
What guitar did Exodus use on "Architect of Pain"?
The guitar on "Architect of Pain" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Architect of Pain" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Architect of Pain" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Architect of Pain" 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 "Architect of Pain" by Exodus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.