How to Dial In "Keep It Dark" by Genesis - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Keep It Dark"
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 Abacab (1981). Abacab is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band Genesis, released on 18 September 1981 by Charisma Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Genesis' other songs from Abacab, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Keep It Dark" Tone
What guitar did Genesis use on "Keep It Dark"?
The guitar on "Keep It Dark" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Keep It Dark" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Keep It Dark" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Keep It Dark" 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 "Keep It Dark" by Genesis are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.