How to Dial In "Bad Boyfriend" by Garbage - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bad Boyfriend"
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 Bleed Like Me (2005). Bleed Like Me is the fourth studio album by American rock band Garbage, released on 11 April 2005 by A&E Records, with Geffen Records handling North America. The album's personnel list credits Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig with electric guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Garbage's other songs from Bleed Like Me, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Bad Boyfriend" Tone
What guitar did Garbage use on "Bad Boyfriend"?
The guitar on "Bad Boyfriend" (released 2005) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bad Boyfriend" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Bad Boyfriend" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bad Boyfriend" 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 "Bad Boyfriend" by Garbage are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.