How to Dial In "Holding on to Heaven" by Nickelback - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Holding on to Heaven"
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 Here and Now (2011). A slower, melodic rock song. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Holding on to Heaven" Tone
What guitar did Nickelback use on "Holding on to Heaven"?
The guitar on "Holding on to Heaven" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Holding on to Heaven" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Holding on to Heaven" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Holding on to Heaven" 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 "Holding on to Heaven" by Nickelback are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.