How to Dial In "Living the Hard Way" by Racer X - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Living the Hard Way"
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 Second Heat (1987). Second Heat is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Racer X, was released on February 11, 1987, through Shrapnel Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez RG550 Genesis through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Racer X's other songs from Second Heat, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Living the Hard Way" Tone
What guitar did Racer X use on "Living the Hard Way"?
The guitar on "Living the Hard Way" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Ibanez RG550 Genesis above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Living the Hard Way" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Living the Hard Way" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Living the Hard Way" 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 "Living the Hard Way" by Racer X are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.