How to Dial In "Drawing Flies" by Soundgarden - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Drawing Flies"
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 Badmotorfinger (1991). Soundgarden used alternate tunings on much of this album, so standard tuning shouldn't be assumed. A fast, hard-driving riff track with Kim Thayil's saturated rhythm guitar and a squealing solo. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Guild S-100 Polara through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to high gain with the mids kept forward. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Drawing Flies" Tone
What guitar did Soundgarden use on "Drawing Flies"?
The guitar on "Drawing Flies" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Guild S-100 Polara above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Drawing Flies" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Drawing Flies" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Drawing Flies" 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 "Drawing Flies" by Soundgarden are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.