How to Dial In "I Know" by Placebo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Know"
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.
A track on the band's self-titled debut, released in 1996 and produced by Brad Wood, with Brian Molko's jagged riffing and a nasal, sneering vocal over Robert Schultzberg's drums. The guitars are raw and fuzzy, with an urgent, slightly out-of-tune feel. No source available here confirms the guitar, amp or pedal on this recording, so a Jazzmaster, a Twin Reverb and a Big Muff-style fuzz stand in. Use the bridge pickup, a gritty fuzz tone and fast, aggressive downstrokes. Tuning isn't documented for this recording.
Common Questions About the "I Know" Tone
What guitar did Placebo use on "I Know"?
The guitar on "I Know" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "I Know" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "I Know" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Know" 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.
What pedals are on "I Know"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "I Know" by Placebo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.