How to Dial In "Psywar" by Mayhem - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Psywar"
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 Esoteric Warfare (2014). Esoteric Warfare is the fifth studio album by Norwegian black metal band Mayhem. Guitarist Teloch has said he recorded the album with two of his ENGL amps through a B52 cabinet, the Powerball II for most of the rhythm and fast arpeggio parts and the Fireball for the crunchier ones. No source names his guitar, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom stands in, through an Engl Powerball II. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D standard (D G C F A D), a whole step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Psywar" Tone
What guitar did Mayhem use on "Psywar"?
The guitar on "Psywar" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Psywar" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 4, Mid 5, Treble 8, Presence 7, 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 "Psywar" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Psywar" 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 "Psywar" by Mayhem are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.