How to Dial In "Fire in the Hole" by Steely Dan - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Fire in the Hole"
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 Can't Buy a Thrill (1972). A laid-back, loping rock tune with clean, understated guitar fills. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Use the neck pickup and set the amp clean and chiming. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Fire in the Hole" Tone
What guitar did Steely Dan use on "Fire in the Hole"?
The guitar on "Fire in the Hole" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Fire in the Hole" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Fire in the Hole" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fire in the Hole" 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 "Fire in the Hole" by Steely Dan are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.