How to Dial In "Shadow of the Hierophant" by Steve Hackett - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shadow of the Hierophant"
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 Voyage of the Acolyte (1975). Voyage of the Acolyte is the first studio album by English guitarist, songwriter, and singer Steve Hackett, released in October 1975 on Charisma Records as his only album recorded and released while he was a member of Genesis. The song is credited to Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, the nearest rig we use for Steve Hackett's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Shadow of the Hierophant" Tone
What guitar did Steve Hackett use on "Shadow of the Hierophant"?
The guitar on "Shadow of the Hierophant" (released 1975) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Shadow of the Hierophant" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Shadow of the Hierophant" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shadow of the Hierophant" 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 "Shadow of the Hierophant" by Steve Hackett are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.