How to Dial In "Rub 'til It Bleeds" by PJ Harvey - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rub 'til It Bleeds"
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 Rid of Me (1993). Rid of Me is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter PJ Harvey, released on 26 April 1993 by Island Records, approximately one year after the release of her critically acclaimed debut studio album Dry (1992). No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for PJ Harvey's other songs from Rid of Me, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Rub 'til It Bleeds" Tone
What guitar did PJ Harvey use on "Rub 'til It Bleeds"?
The guitar on "Rub 'til It Bleeds" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rub 'til It Bleeds" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Rub 'til It Bleeds" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rub 'til It Bleeds" 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 "Rub 'til It Bleeds" by PJ Harvey are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.