How to Dial In "Worse Than War" by Havok - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Worse Than War"
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 Unnatural Selection (2013). Unnatural Selection is the third full-length album by American thrash metal band Havok. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EX-351 through a Peavey 6505+, the rig we use for Havok's other songs from Unnatural Selection, 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 "Worse Than War" Tone
What guitar did Havok use on "Worse Than War"?
The guitar on "Worse Than War" (released 2013) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EX-351 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 "Worse Than War" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, 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 "Worse Than War" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Worse Than War" 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 "Worse Than War" by Havok are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.