How to Dial In "Son of a Bitch" by Kyuss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Son of a Bitch"
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 Wretch (1991). Wretch is the first full-length album by American rock band Kyuss, released in September 1991. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM900 4100 Dual Reverb, the rig we use for Kyuss' other songs from Wretch, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Son of a Bitch" Tone
What guitar did Kyuss use on "Son of a Bitch"?
The guitar on "Son of a Bitch" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Son of a Bitch" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 7, Mid 5, Treble 5.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Son of a Bitch" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Son of a Bitch" 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 "Son of a Bitch" by Kyuss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.