How to Dial In "Circle of Power" by Soundgarden - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Circle of Power"
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 Ultramega OK (1988). Ultramega OK is the debut studio album by the American rock band Soundgarden, released on October 31, 1988, by SST Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Guild S-100 Polara through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the rig we use for Soundgarden's other songs from Ultramega OK, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Circle of Power" Tone
What guitar did Soundgarden use on "Circle of Power"?
The guitar on "Circle of Power" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Guild S-100 Polara above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Circle of Power" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, 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 "Circle of Power" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Circle of Power" 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 "Circle of Power" by Soundgarden are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.