How to Dial In "Down Deep into the Pain" by Steve Vai - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Down Deep into the Pain"
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 Sex & Religion (1993). Sex & Religion is the third solo studio album by American guitarist Steve Vai, released under the band name "Vai" on July 27, 1993, through Relativity Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez JEM7V through a Bogner Ecstasy 101B, the rig we use for Steve Vai's other songs from Sex & Religion, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Down Deep into the Pain" Tone
What guitar did Steve Vai use on "Down Deep into the Pain"?
The guitar on "Down Deep into the Pain" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Ibanez JEM7V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Down Deep into the Pain" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Down Deep into the Pain" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Down Deep into the Pain" 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 "Down Deep into the Pain" by Steve Vai are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.