How to Dial In "Second Nature" by Rush - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Second Nature"
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 Hold Your Fire (1987). Hold Your Fire is the twelfth studio album by Canadian progressive rock band Rush, released on September 8, 1987. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-355 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Rush's other songs from Hold Your Fire, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Second Nature" Tone
What guitar did Rush use on "Second Nature"?
The guitar on "Second Nature" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-355 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Second Nature" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Second Nature" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Second Nature" 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 "Second Nature" by Rush are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.