How to Dial In "Whole Lotta Sonata" by Paul Gilbert - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Whole Lotta Sonata"
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 Alligator Farm (2000). Alligator Farm is the third solo studio album by American musician Paul Gilbert, formerly of the heavy metal band Racer X and the hard rock band Mr. Big. 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 rig we use for Paul Gilbert's other songs from Alligator Farm, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Whole Lotta Sonata" Tone
What guitar did Paul Gilbert use on "Whole Lotta Sonata"?
The guitar on "Whole Lotta Sonata" (released 2000) 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 "Whole Lotta Sonata" 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 "Whole Lotta Sonata" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Whole Lotta Sonata" 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 "Whole Lotta Sonata" by Paul Gilbert are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.