How to Dial In "Hard Lessons" by Terror - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hard Lessons"
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 Live by the Code (2013). Live by the Code is the fifth studio album by American hardcore band Terror. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EC-1000 through an EVH 5150III 100W, the rig we use for Terror's other songs from Live by the Code, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D standard (D G C F A D), a whole step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Hard Lessons" Tone
What guitar did Terror use on "Hard Lessons"?
The guitar on "Hard Lessons" (released 2013) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EC-1000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Hard Lessons" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 Lessons" 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 Lessons" 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 Lessons" by Terror are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.