How to Dial In "Back to Base" by Fugazi - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Back to Base"
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 Red Medicine (1995). Red Medicine is the fourth studio album by the American post-hardcore band Fugazi, released on June 12, 1995, by Dischord Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Fugazi's other songs from Red Medicine, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Back to Base" Tone
What guitar did Fugazi use on "Back to Base"?
The guitar on "Back to Base" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Back to Base" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Back to Base" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Back to Base" 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 "Back to Base" by Fugazi are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.