How to Dial In "Hard as Nails" by Ted Nugent - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hard as Nails"
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 Scream Dream (1980). Scream Dream is the sixth studio album by American hard rock musician Ted Nugent. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-175 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Ted Nugent's other songs from Scream Dream, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hard as Nails" Tone
What guitar did Ted Nugent use on "Hard as Nails"?
The guitar on "Hard as Nails" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-175 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hard as Nails" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Hard as Nails" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hard as Nails" 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 "Hard as Nails" by Ted Nugent are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.