How to Dial In "Face Pollution" by Soundgarden - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Face Pollution"
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 churning, odd-metre riff, with the song moving between 9/8 and 6/4, in Kim Thayil's thick distortion. 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 "Face Pollution" Tone
What guitar did Soundgarden use on "Face Pollution"?
The guitar on "Face Pollution" (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 "Face Pollution" 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 "Face Pollution" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Face Pollution" 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 "Face Pollution" by Soundgarden are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.