How to Dial In "Chrome Waves" by Ride - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Chrome Waves"
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 Going Blank Again (1992). A dreamy shoegaze song with shimmering, chorused guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Marshall JMP 2203 Master Volume stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Chrome Waves" Tone
What guitar did Ride use on "Chrome Waves"?
The guitar on "Chrome Waves" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Chrome Waves" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 4, Treble 5.5, Presence 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 "Chrome Waves" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Chrome Waves" 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 "Chrome Waves" by Ride are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.