How to Dial In "What We Do Is Secret" by The Germs - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "What We Do Is Secret"
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 GI (1979). GI, stylized in parentheses as (GI), is the only studio album by American punk rock band the Germs. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Bilt Hi-Flier through a Fender '57 Custom Champ, the rig we use for The Germs' other songs from GI, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "What We Do Is Secret" Tone
What guitar did The Germs use on "What We Do Is Secret"?
The guitar on "What We Do Is Secret" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Bilt Hi-Flier above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "What We Do Is Secret" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 4, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 5.5, 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 "What We Do Is Secret" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What We Do Is Secret" 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 "What We Do Is Secret" by The Germs are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.