How to Dial In "Viv Woman" by Steve Vai - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Viv Woman"
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 Flex-Able (1984). Flex-Able is the debut studio album by American virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Steve Vai's other songs from Flex-Able, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Viv Woman" Tone
What guitar did Steve Vai use on "Viv Woman"?
The guitar on "Viv Woman" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Viv Woman" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Viv Woman" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Viv Woman" 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 "Viv Woman" by Steve Vai are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.