How to Dial In "Pain with an Anchor" by Mastodon - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pain with an Anchor"
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 Hushed and Grim (2021). A mid-tempo, sludgy progressive-metal track with a heavy riff and a melodic chorus. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an ESP LTD Bill Kelliher Sparrowhawk (Signature) through a Marshall JCM800 2210 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Pain with an Anchor" Tone
What guitar did Mastodon use on "Pain with an Anchor"?
The guitar on "Pain with an Anchor" (released 2021) isn't documented; the ESP LTD Bill Kelliher Sparrowhawk (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Pain with an Anchor" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, 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 "Pain with an Anchor" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pain with an Anchor" 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 "Pain with an Anchor" by Mastodon are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.