How to Dial In "Armor and Sword" by Rush - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Armor and Sword"
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 Snakes & Arrows (2007). Snakes & Arrows is the eighteenth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on May 1, 2007 by Anthem Records. The album's Wikipedia article lists Alex Lifeson's main guitars on Snakes & Arrows as a Gibson ES-335, a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop and a Fender Telecaster, without saying which one this song uses. Nothing we found ties a specific guitar or amp to this song, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Rush's other songs from Snakes & Arrows, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Armor and Sword" Tone
What guitar did Rush use on "Armor and Sword"?
The guitar on "Armor and Sword" (released 2007) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Armor and Sword" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Armor and Sword" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Armor and Sword" 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.
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Tone references for "Armor and Sword" by Rush are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.