How to Dial In "Driving Nowhere" by Helmet - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Driving Nowhere"
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 Aftertaste (1997). Aftertaste is the fourth studio album by American alternative metal band Helmet, released in 1997 on Interscope. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Horizon NT-II through a Marshall JCM800 2204, the rig we use for Helmet's other songs from Aftertaste, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Driving Nowhere" Tone
What guitar did Helmet use on "Driving Nowhere"?
The guitar on "Driving Nowhere" (released 1997) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Driving Nowhere" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Driving Nowhere" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Driving Nowhere" 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 "Driving Nowhere" by Helmet are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.