How to Dial In "Breaks My Back" by Jerry Cantrell - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Breaks My Back"
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 Boggy Depot (1998). A grinding, mid-heavy riff from his first solo record. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a G&L Rampage through a Bogner Ecstasy 101B stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Breaks My Back" Tone
What guitar did Jerry Cantrell use on "Breaks My Back"?
The guitar on "Breaks My Back" (released 1998) isn't documented; the G&L Rampage above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Breaks My Back" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Breaks My Back" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Breaks My Back" 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 "Breaks My Back" by Jerry Cantrell are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.