How to Dial In "Torture Me" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Torture Me"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
A One Hot Minute deep cut from the Dave Navarro era, heavier and more angular than the funk-driven Frusciante material either side of it.
Common Questions About the "Torture Me" Tone
What guitar did Red Hot Chili Peppers use on "Torture Me"?
Red Hot Chili Peppers tracked "Torture Me" on a Stratocaster (released 1995). The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Torture Me" need?
On Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig': Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6, 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 "Torture Me" without a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Torture 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 "Torture Me" by Red Hot Chili Peppers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.