How to Dial In "Pittsburgh" by The Amity Affliction - Guitar Tone Settings
What The Amity Affliction Actually Used on "Pittsburgh"
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 Peavey 6505+. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Drop C. The Australian band's biggest song and unusual within metalcore for how much of it is melodic and mid-tempo rather than breakdown-driven — the guitars spend most of the track playing sustained open voicings under the clean vocal, with the heavy sections used sparingly. That means the tone needs enough clarity to hold a ringing chord for four bars without turning to noise, so keep the gain nearer 7 than maximum and the low end controlled. Recorded 2014 with Will Putney, whose mixes are noticeably brighter and less compressed than the Sturgis-era metalcore sound. The lead lines double the vocal melody; keep the treble up so they cut without needing a separate lead tone.
Common Questions About the "Pittsburgh" Tone
What guitar did The Amity Affliction use on "Pittsburgh"?
The Amity Affliction tracked "Pittsburgh" on an ESP LTD MH-1000 (released 2014). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop C (C G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Pittsburgh" need?
On Peavey 6505+: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Pittsburgh" without a Peavey 6505+?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pittsburgh" 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 "Pittsburgh" by The Amity Affliction are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.