How to Dial In "Author of Confusion" by Neal Morse - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Author of Confusion"
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 One (2004). One is a Christian progressive rock concept album by multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse and his fourth studio album. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, a driven Les Paul Custom and Hiwatt pairing, the one we use for King Crimson's heavier songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Author of Confusion" Tone
What guitar did Neal Morse use on "Author of Confusion"?
The guitar on "Author of Confusion" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Author of Confusion" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 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 "Author of Confusion" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Author of Confusion" 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 "Author of Confusion" by Neal Morse are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.