How to Dial In "Chords of Life" by Joe Satriani - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Chords of Life"
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 Strange Beautiful Music (2002). A Satriani instrumental. Joe Satriani is long associated with Ibanez JS-series guitars and Marshall amps, but no source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez JS1200 Joe Satriani through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set the amp at a driven crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Chords of Life" Tone
What guitar did Joe Satriani use on "Chords of Life"?
The guitar on "Chords of Life" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Ibanez JS1200 Joe Satriani above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Chords of Life" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Chords of Life" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Chords of Life" 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 "Chords of Life" by Joe Satriani are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.