How to Dial In "Apocalypse Please" by Muse - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Apocalypse Please"
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 Absolution (2003). Absolution is the third studio album by the English rock band Muse, released on 15 September 2003 in Japan before releasing in the UK on 22 September through Taste Media. The album's Wikipedia article says Matt Bellamy used custom Manson guitars and Marshall and Diezel amps on Absolution, without tying a particular setup to this song. Nothing we found ties a specific guitar or amp to this song, so a Manson MB-1 Matt Bellamy Signature through a Diezel VH4, the rig we use for Muse's other songs from Absolution, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Apocalypse Please" Tone
What guitar did Muse use on "Apocalypse Please"?
The guitar on "Apocalypse Please" (released 2003) isn't documented; the Manson MB-1 Matt Bellamy Signature above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Apocalypse Please" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Apocalypse Please" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Apocalypse Please" 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 "Apocalypse Please" by Muse are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.