How to Dial In "Hordes of Locusts" by Joe Satriani - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hordes of Locusts"
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 Not of This Earth (1986). A track with high-gain lead guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an Ibanez RG550 Genesis through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Hordes of Locusts" Tone
What guitar did Joe Satriani use on "Hordes of Locusts"?
The guitar on "Hordes of Locusts" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Ibanez RG550 Genesis above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hordes of Locusts" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 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 "Hordes of Locusts" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hordes of Locusts" 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 "Hordes of Locusts" by Joe Satriani are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.