How to Dial In "Frustrated" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Frustrated"
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 Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984). Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth is the fourth studio album by American rock singer Joan Jett and the third to feature her backing band the Blackhearts. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Joan Jett Melody Maker through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' other songs from Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Frustrated" Tone
What guitar did Joan Jett & the Blackhearts use on "Frustrated"?
The guitar on "Frustrated" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gibson Joan Jett Melody Maker (Joan Jett Sig) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Frustrated" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, 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 "Frustrated" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Frustrated" 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 "Frustrated" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.