How to Dial In "Dark Wings, Dark Words" by HammerFall - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dark Wings, Dark Words"
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 Threshold (2006). Threshold is the sixth studio album by Swedish power metal band HammerFall, released on 18 October 2006. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for HammerFall's other songs from Threshold, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Dark Wings, Dark Words" Tone
What guitar did HammerFall use on "Dark Wings, Dark Words"?
The guitar on "Dark Wings, Dark Words" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Dark Wings, Dark Words" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Dark Wings, Dark Words" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dark Wings, Dark Words" 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.
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Tone references for "Dark Wings, Dark Words" by HammerFall are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.