How to Dial In "Swatting at Flies" by Flotsam and Jetsam - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Swatting at Flies"
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 Cuatro (1992). Cuatro (meaning "four" in Spanish) is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Flotsam and Jetsam, released on October 13, 1992 via MCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Jackson USA Select Randy Rhoads RR1 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Flotsam and Jetsam's other songs from Cuatro, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Swatting at Flies" Tone
What guitar did Flotsam and Jetsam use on "Swatting at Flies"?
The guitar on "Swatting at Flies" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Jackson USA Select Randy Rhoads RR1 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Swatting at Flies" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Swatting at Flies" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Swatting at Flies" 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 "Swatting at Flies" by Flotsam and Jetsam are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.