How to Dial In "The Will to Survive" by Pantera - Guitar Tone Settings
What Pantera Actually Used on "The Will to Survive"
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.
From Cowboys from Hell (1990). Cowboys from Hell is the fifth studio album and major label debut by American heavy metal band Pantera, released on July 24, 1990, by Atco Records. Dimebag Darrell played a Dean ML through a Randall RG100ES on this record, which is the rig that IK Multimedia's Dimebag Darrell Cowboys From Hell collection models, and that collection also models the pedals Dime used on the record: a Dunlop Cry Baby wah, a six-band EQ and a flanger/doubler, both modeled on MXR units. The catalog's Dean ML and Randall RG100ES stand for the guitar and amp; no pedals are listed because their settings on this song are undocumented. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Will to Survive" Tone
What guitar did Pantera use on "The Will to Survive"?
Pantera tracked "The Will to Survive" on a Dean ML (released 1990). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Will to Survive" need?
On Randall RG100ES: Gain 8, Bass 6.5, Mid 4, 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 "The Will to Survive" 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 Will to Survive" 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 Will to Survive" by Pantera are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.