How to Dial In "Rules of Play" by Rise Against - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rules of Play"
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 Nowhere Generation (2021). Nowhere Generation is a studio album by the American punk rock band Rise Against, released on 4 June 2021 by Loma Vista Recordings. The album's personnel list credits Tim McIlrath on rhythm guitar and Zach Blair on lead guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Classic through a Marshall JCM900 4100 Dual Reverb, the rig we use for Rise Against's other songs from Nowhere Generation, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Rules of Play" Tone
What guitar did Rise Against use on "Rules of Play"?
The guitar on "Rules of Play" (released 2021) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Classic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Rules of Play" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Rules of Play" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rules of Play" 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 "Rules of Play" by Rise Against are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.