How to Dial In "Cat Food" by King Crimson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cat Food"
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 In the Wake of Poseidon (1970). In the Wake of Poseidon is the second studio album by the English progressive rock band King Crimson, released on 15 May 1970 by Island Records in Europe and Atlantic Records in the United States. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for King Crimson's other songs from In the Wake of Poseidon, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cat Food" Tone
What guitar did King Crimson use on "Cat Food"?
The guitar on "Cat Food" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cat Food" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "Cat Food" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cat Food" 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 "Cat Food" by King Crimson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.