How to Dial In "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" by Styx - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned"
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 Paradise Theatre (1981). Paradise Theatre is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Styx, released on January 16, 1981, by A&M Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Styx's other songs from Paradise Theatre, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" Tone
What guitar did Styx use on "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned"?
The guitar on "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" 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 "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" by Styx are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.