How to Dial In "Hold on to Me" by Placebo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hold on to 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 Loud Like Love (2013). A bright Loud Like Love track with jangly, chorus-lifted guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Hold on to Me" Tone
What guitar did Placebo use on "Hold on to Me"?
The guitar on "Hold on to Me" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hold on to 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 "Hold on to 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 "Hold on to 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 "Hold on to Me" by Placebo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.