How to Dial In "Song of the Swords" by Hawkwind - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Song of the Swords"
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 The Chronicle of the Black Sword (1985). The Chronicle of the Black Sword is the fourteenth studio album by the English space rock group Hawkwind, released in 1985. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Hawkwind's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Song of the Swords" Tone
What guitar did Hawkwind use on "Song of the Swords"?
The guitar on "Song of the Swords" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Song of the Swords" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, 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 "Song of the Swords" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Song of the Swords" 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 "Song of the Swords" by Hawkwind are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.