How to Dial In "The Oath" by Kiss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Oath"
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 Music from "The Elder" (1981). Music from "The Elder" is the ninth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on November 10, 1981 by Casablanca Records. 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 Kiss' other songs from Music from "The Elder", stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "The Oath" Tone
What guitar did Kiss use on "The Oath"?
The guitar on "The Oath" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "The Oath" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "The Oath" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Oath" 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 "The Oath" by Kiss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.