How to Dial In "Desolation" by Lamb of God - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Desolation"
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 Resolution (2012). Their sixth studio album, produced by Josh Wilbur and recorded between February and May 2011, it was released on 24 January 2012 through Epic and Roadrunner. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, the nearest rig to the one documented for Lamb of God, stands in. Set the amp to a saturated high-gain setting and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop C♯ (C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯), which is drop D lowered a half step.
Common Questions About the "Desolation" Tone
What guitar did Lamb of God use on "Desolation"?
The guitar on "Desolation" (released 2012) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Custom tuning, so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Desolation" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Desolation" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Desolation" 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 "Desolation" by Lamb of God are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.