How to Dial In "The Badge" by Pantera - Guitar Tone Settings
What Pantera Actually Used on "The Badge"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Randall RG100ES. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Pantera's contribution to The Crow soundtrack (1994), cut in the Far Beyond Driven period. Dimebag Darrell's documented formula is a Dean ML into Randall stacks with a blue MXR six-band graphic EQ pushing the front of the amp (Premier Guitar's Dean of Destiny profile). Set the amp scooped with the gain high and the bridge humbucker doing everything; the EQ pedal on, lifted around the lows and highs, is what gives the chug its edge.
Common Questions About the "The Badge" Tone
What guitar did Pantera use on "The Badge"?
Pantera tracked "The Badge" on a Dean ML Select Classic (released 1994). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "The Badge" need?
On Randall RG100ES: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "The Badge" without a Randall RG100ES?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Badge" 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.
What pedals are on "The Badge"?
The original signal chain for "The Badge" runs through MXR M109S Six Band Graphic EQ. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "The Badge" by Pantera are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.