How to Dial In "Helpless" by Sugar - Guitar Tone Settings
What Sugar Actually Used on "Helpless"
- AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
- PedalMXR Distortion+
- EffectDelayRoland SDE-1000 · On stereo delay at the head of the signal path, which staggers the JC-120 and Fender sides by about 15 milliseconds
- EffectPitch shifterEventide H3000 SE · On harmonizer after the delay, run in stereo
- EffectCompressiondbx 160S · On two-channel compressor before the stacks
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Copper Blue (1992). Copper Blue is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Sugar, released on 4 September 1992. Mould told MusicRadar that his blue 1987 American Standard Strat Plus with Lace Sensor pickups was pretty much the guitar for the entire record, and that the core of the sound was that guitar, a stereo stack and an MXR Distortion Plus. Each side of the stack paired a Roland JC-120 head with a 4x12 Marshall cabinet and a second 4x12 cab, with a Fender Concert 1x12 tube combo beside it for a dirty wash on top; he describes the setup for the record as a whole, not for this song. A JC-120 combo stands in for the head, and we do not list the Concert. Keep the amp clean and let the Distortion+ supply the gain.
Common Questions About the "Helpless" Tone
What guitar did Sugar use on "Helpless"?
The original guitar for "Helpless" isn't conclusively documented. The settings on this page are calibrated to the recorded tone regardless of which specific guitar you play.
What amp settings does "Helpless" need?
On Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus: Gain 3, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, 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 "Helpless" without a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Helpless" 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.
What pedals are on "Helpless"?
The original signal chain for "Helpless" runs through MXR Distortion+. The record also has delay, pitch shifter and compression on it, with no pedal documented for them. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Helpless" by Sugar are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.