How to Dial In "Ordinary Man" by Stryper - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ordinary Man"
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 Against the Law (1990). Against the Law is the fifth studio album by American Christian metal band Stryper, released on 21 August 1990 by Enigma Records. The album's personnel list credits Michael Sweet and Oz Fox with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue, the rig we use for Stryper's other songs from Against the Law, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Ordinary Man" Tone
What guitar did Stryper use on "Ordinary Man"?
The guitar on "Ordinary Man" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Ordinary Man" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Ordinary Man" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ordinary Man" 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 "Ordinary Man" by Stryper are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.