How to Dial In "I Know Jack" by Megadeth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Know Jack"
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 The System Has Failed (2004). The System Has Failed is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 14, 2004. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Jackson King V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Megadeth's other songs from The System Has Failed, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Know Jack" Tone
What guitar did Megadeth use on "I Know Jack"?
The guitar on "I Know Jack" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Jackson King V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Know Jack" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "I Know Jack" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Know Jack" 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 "I Know Jack" by Megadeth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.