How to Dial In "Burn Black" by Hole - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Burn Black"
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 Pretty on the Inside (1991). A raw, noisy, abrasive punk-rock track with a harsh, distorted guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Burn Black" Tone
What guitar did Hole use on "Burn Black"?
The guitar on "Burn Black" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Burn Black" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, 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 "Burn Black" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Burn Black" 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 "Burn Black" by Hole are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.