How to Dial In "Mercy Me" by Pixies - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mercy Me"
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 The Night the Zombies Came (2024). The Night the Zombies Came is the ninth studio album by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released on 25 October 2024 by BMG Rights Management. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Pixies' other songs from The Night the Zombies Came, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Mercy Me" Tone
What guitar did Pixies use on "Mercy Me"?
The guitar on "Mercy Me" (released 2024) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Mercy Me" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, 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 "Mercy Me" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mercy Me" 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 "Mercy Me" by Pixies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.