How to Dial In "Powerless" by Linkin Park - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Powerless"
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 Living Things (2012). A track that mixes electronic textures with clean and distorted guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a PRS Custom 24 through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Powerless" Tone
What guitar did Linkin Park use on "Powerless"?
The guitar on "Powerless" (released 2012) isn't documented; the PRS Custom 24 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Powerless" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 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 "Powerless" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Powerless" 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 "Powerless" by Linkin Park are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.