How to Dial In "Hard Times" by Kiss - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Hard Times"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Dynasty (1979), written and sung by Ace Frehley. Frehley's late-70s studio guitars were Les Pauls, including an old '59 Standard, through Marshalls (Guitar World). Keep the Marshall at a medium-gain crunch rather than full saturation and play it on the bridge pickup; it is a mid-tempo rocker, not a wall of gain.
Common Questions About the "Hard Times" Tone
What guitar did Kiss use on "Hard Times"?
Kiss tracked "Hard Times" on a Les Paul (released 1979). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hard Times" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Hard Times" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hard Times" 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 "Hard Times" by Kiss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.