How to Dial In "Speed of Sound" by Pearl Jam - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Speed of Sound"
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 Backspacer (2009). Backspacer is the ninth studio album by the American rock band Pearl Jam, released on September 20, 2009. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Pearl Jam's other songs from Backspacer, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Speed of Sound" Tone
What guitar did Pearl Jam use on "Speed of Sound"?
The guitar on "Speed of Sound" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster (Pearl Jam Sig) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Speed of Sound" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, 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 "Speed of Sound" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Speed of Sound" 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 "Speed of Sound" by Pearl Jam are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.