How to Dial In "Madagascar" by Guns N' Roses - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Madagascar"
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 Chinese Democracy (2008). A slow, cinematic, dramatic rock track with layered, heavy guitars and spoken-word samples. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a classic hard-rock crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Madagascar" Tone
What guitar did Guns N' Roses use on "Madagascar"?
The guitar on "Madagascar" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Madagascar" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Madagascar" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Madagascar" 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 "Madagascar" by Guns N' Roses are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.