How to Dial In "Passive Aggressive" by Placebo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Passive Aggressive"
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 Black Market Music (2000). A tense, fuzz-driven song with a heavy, jagged riff. 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. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Passive Aggressive" Tone
What guitar did Placebo use on "Passive Aggressive"?
The guitar on "Passive Aggressive" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Passive Aggressive" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, 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 "Passive Aggressive" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Passive Aggressive" 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 "Passive Aggressive" by Placebo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.