How to Dial In "Down to Mexico" by Paul Gilbert - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Down to Mexico"
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 Flying Dog (1998). Flying Dog is the second studio album released by former Racer X and Mr. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez PGM50 Premium Paul Gilbert through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Paul Gilbert's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D standard (D G C F A D), a whole step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Down to Mexico" Tone
What guitar did Paul Gilbert use on "Down to Mexico"?
The guitar on "Down to Mexico" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Ibanez PGM50 Premium Paul Gilbert above gets the sound. 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 "Down to Mexico" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Down to Mexico" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Down to Mexico" 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 "Down to Mexico" by Paul Gilbert are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.