How to Dial In "Down to Nothing" by The Black Keys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Down to Nothing"
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 No Rain, No Flowers (2025). The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Guild S-100 Polara into a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe (Tweed Deluxe) stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Down to Nothing" Tone
What guitar did The Black Keys use on "Down to Nothing"?
The guitar on "Down to Nothing" (released 2025) isn't documented; the Guild S-100 Polara above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Down to Nothing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Down to Nothing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Down to Nothing" 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 "Down to Nothing" by The Black Keys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.