How to Dial In "The Scratch" by Scorpions - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Scratch"
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 Return to Forever (2015). Return to Forever is a studio album by the German hard rock band Scorpions, released on 20 February 2015 by Sony Music. The album's personnel list credits Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Scorpions' other songs from Return to Forever, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Scratch" Tone
What guitar did Scorpions use on "The Scratch"?
The guitar on "The Scratch" (released 2015) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Scratch" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "The Scratch" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Scratch" 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 "The Scratch" by Scorpions are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.