How to Dial In "Pearls Before the Swine" by Machine Head - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pearls Before the Swine"
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 Unto the Locust (2011). Unto the Locust is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Machine Head, released in Australia on September 23, in the UK on September 26 and worldwide on September 27, 2011. 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 Unto the Locust, 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 "Pearls Before the Swine" Tone
What guitar did Machine Head use on "Pearls Before the Swine"?
The guitar on "Pearls Before the Swine" (released 2011) 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 "Pearls Before the Swine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Pearls Before the Swine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pearls Before the Swine" 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 "Pearls Before the Swine" by Machine Head are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.