How to Dial In "Bravest Face" by Rush - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Bravest Face"
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 an AC30. On your amp, they 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. Alex Lifeson told Guitar Player in 2007 that the solo on this song is his ES-335 and an AC30, with the rest of the album's guitars tracked on Les Pauls, a Telecaster and the old Marshall and Vox amps at Allaire Studios; he ties no gear to the rhythm parts. A Gibson ES-335 through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in for the whole song. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Bravest Face" Tone
What guitar did Rush use on "Bravest Face"?
Rush tracked "Bravest Face" on a Gibson ES-335 (released 2007). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bravest Face" need?
On an AC30: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Bravest Face" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bravest Face" 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 "Bravest Face" by Rush are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.