How to Dial In "Imaginal Cells" by Machine Head - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Imaginal Cells"
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 Bloodstone & Diamonds (2014). Bloodstone & Diamonds is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Machine Head, released on 7 November 2014 by Nuclear Blast. The album's personnel list credits Robb Flynn on rhythm guitar and Phil Demmel on lead guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the rig we use for Machine Head's other songs from Bloodstone & Diamonds, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop B (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯).
Common Questions About the "Imaginal Cells" Tone
What guitar did Machine Head use on "Imaginal Cells"?
The guitar on "Imaginal Cells" (released 2014) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop B (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Imaginal Cells" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6.5, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Imaginal Cells" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Imaginal Cells" 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 "Imaginal Cells" by Machine Head are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.