How to Dial In "Speed of Light" by Joe Satriani - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Speed of Light"
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 Time Machine (1993). Time Machine is the fifth studio album by guitarist Joe Satriani, released on October 13, 1993, through Relativity Records and reissued in 1998 through Epic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez Joe Satriani JS240 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Joe Satriani's other songs from Time Machine, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Speed of Light" Tone
What guitar did Joe Satriani use on "Speed of Light"?
The guitar on "Speed of Light" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Ibanez Joe Satriani JS240 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Speed of Light" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, 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 "Speed of Light" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Speed of Light" 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 "Speed of Light" by Joe Satriani are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.