How to Dial In "I Like Rock" by Paul Gilbert - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Like Rock"
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 Burning Organ (2002). Burning Organ, released in 2002, is the fifth studio album by American rock musician Paul Gilbert, also a guitarist for the heavy metal band Racer X and (then) formerly of the hard rock band 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 to the one documented for Paul Gilbert, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "I Like Rock" Tone
What guitar did Paul Gilbert use on "I Like Rock"?
The guitar on "I Like Rock" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Ibanez PGM50 Premium Paul Gilbert above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "I Like Rock" 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 "I Like Rock" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Like Rock" 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 "I Like Rock" by Paul Gilbert are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.