How to Dial In "Youth of America" by Melvins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Youth of America"
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 Electroretard (2001). Electroretard is the thirteenth album by the Melvins, which was released in 2001 through Man's Ruin Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Sunn Model T, the nearest rig we use for Melvins' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Youth of America" Tone
What guitar did Melvins use on "Youth of America"?
The guitar on "Youth of America" (released 2001) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Youth of America" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Youth of America" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Youth of America" 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 "Youth of America" by Melvins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.