How to Dial In "Sour Times" by Portishead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sour Times"
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 Dummy (1994). Dummy is the debut studio album by English electronic music band Portishead, released on 22 August 1994 by Go! Beat Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '64 Vibroverb Custom, the rig we use for Portishead's other songs from Dummy, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Sour Times" Tone
What guitar did Portishead use on "Sour Times"?
The guitar on "Sour Times" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Sour Times" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Sour Times" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sour Times" 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 "Sour Times" by Portishead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.