How to Dial In "Death Machine" by Motörhead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Death Machine"
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 Aftershock (2013). Aftershock is the twenty-first studio album by British rock band Motörhead. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JMP 2203 Master Volume, the rig we use for Motörhead's other songs from Aftershock, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Death Machine" Tone
What guitar did Motörhead use on "Death Machine"?
The guitar on "Death Machine" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Death Machine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Death Machine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Death Machine" 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 "Death Machine" by Motörhead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.