How to Dial In "The Underground in America" by Pantera - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Underground in America"
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 The Great Southern Trendkill (1996). A heavy, hard-hitting groove with sharp, palm-muted riffs and squealing harmonics. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Dean ML Select Classic through a Randall RG100ES stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "The Underground in America" Tone
What guitar did Pantera use on "The Underground in America"?
The guitar on "The Underground in America" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Dean ML Select Classic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Underground in America" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5.5, Mid 3.5, 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 Underground in America" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Underground in America" 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 "The Underground in America" by Pantera are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.