How to Dial In "Hell Cat" by Scorpions - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hell Cat"
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 Virgin Killer (1976). Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German rock band Scorpions, released on 22 November 1976 by RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Scorpions' other songs from Virgin Killer, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Hell Cat" Tone
What guitar did Scorpions use on "Hell Cat"?
The guitar on "Hell Cat" (released 1976) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Hell Cat" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, 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 "Hell Cat" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hell Cat" 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 "Hell Cat" by Scorpions are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.