How to Dial In "The One That Really Matters" by Survivor - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The One That Really Matters"
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 Eye of the Tiger (1982). Eye of the Tiger is the third studio album by American rock band Survivor, released on June 8, 1982. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Survivor's other songs from Eye of the Tiger, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The One That Really Matters" Tone
What guitar did Survivor use on "The One That Really Matters"?
The guitar on "The One That Really Matters" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The One That Really Matters" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 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 "The One That Really Matters" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The One That Really Matters" 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 "The One That Really Matters" by Survivor are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.