How to Dial In "Join Me in Death" by HIM - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Join Me in Death"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
E flat standard. HIM's whole sound — Ville Valo called it love metal — depends on the guitar being heavy but not aggressive, so the tone is thick and dark rather than bright and cutting. Roll the treble and presence back below where a metal setting would put them, keep the mids moderate, and set the gain around 6: the chords need weight and sustain, not attack. Mikko Lindström plays simple, slow power-chord progressions under a very forward vocal, which is the opposite of technical, and the appeal is entirely in the sound. Recorded 1999 in Finland. The song was the band's international breakthrough and remains their most-streamed track by a wide margin.
Common Questions About the "Join Me in Death" Tone
What guitar did HIM use on "Join Me in Death"?
HIM tracked "Join Me in Death" on a Les Paul (released 1999). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. 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 "Join Me in Death" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Join Me in Death" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Join Me in Death" 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 "Join Me in Death" by HIM are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.