How to Dial In "Hammer and Life" by Exodus - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hammer and Life"
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 Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010). Exhibit B: The Human Condition is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Exodus. 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 Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 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 "Hammer and Life" Tone
What guitar did Exodus use on "Hammer and Life"?
The guitar on "Hammer and Life" (released 2010) 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 "Hammer and Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Hammer and Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hammer and Life" 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 "Hammer and Life" by Exodus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.