How to Dial In "Greasy Kid's Stuff" by Steve Vai - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Greasy Kid's Stuff"
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 Passion and Warfare (1990). A heavy, swaggering hard-rock instrumental with a tight rhythm part and flashy, squealing lead playing. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an Ibanez JEM7V through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Greasy Kid's Stuff" Tone
What guitar did Steve Vai use on "Greasy Kid's Stuff"?
The guitar on "Greasy Kid's Stuff" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Ibanez JEM7V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Greasy Kid's Stuff" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Greasy Kid's Stuff" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Greasy Kid's Stuff" 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 "Greasy Kid's Stuff" by Steve Vai are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.