How to Dial In "Black Cat" by Janet Jackson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Black Cat"
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 Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (also simply known as Rhythm Nation 1814 or Rhythm Nation) is the fourth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, first released on September 18, 1989, in the United Kingdom, then one day later in North America by A&M Records. The song's Wikipedia article describes the record as opening with a "scorching" guitar solo and notes that a separate solo by Jesse Johnson was left off the album version and used on its remixes. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, a classic hard-rock pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Black Cat" Tone
What guitar did Janet Jackson use on "Black Cat"?
The guitar on "Black Cat" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Black Cat" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Black Cat" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Black Cat" 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 "Black Cat" by Janet Jackson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.