How to Dial In "Shock and Awe" by Neil Young - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shock and Awe"
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 Living with War (2006). Living with War is the twenty-ninth studio album by Canadian-American musician Neil Young, released on May 2, 2006. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe, the nearest rig we use for Neil Young's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Shock and Awe" Tone
What guitar did Neil Young use on "Shock and Awe"?
The guitar on "Shock and Awe" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Shock and Awe" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 8. 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 "Shock and Awe" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shock and Awe" 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 "Shock and Awe" by Neil Young are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.