How to Dial In "Falling to Pieces" by Faith No More - Guitar Tone Settings
What Faith No More Actually Used on "Falling to Pieces"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Jim Martin's guitar sits underneath rather than on top for most of this — the hook is Roddy Bottum's keyboard line and Billy Gould's bass, and the guitar plays a supporting chordal part that only steps forward for a short solo. That balance is deliberate and is the whole reason Faith No More sounded different from their funk-metal peers. Standard tuning. Recorded 1988-89 with Matt Wallace, Mike Patton's first album with the band. Keep the gain moderate and leave the midrange to the keyboard: a big, saturated metal tone here fills space the arrangement needs empty, which is the most common mistake with this record.
Common Questions About the "Falling to Pieces" Tone
What guitar did Faith No More use on "Falling to Pieces"?
Faith No More tracked "Falling to Pieces" on a Gibson Flying V (released 1989). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Falling to Pieces" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "Falling to Pieces" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Falling to Pieces" 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.
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Tone references for "Falling to Pieces" by Faith No More are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.