How to Dial In "Primal Directive" by The Contortionist - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Primal Directive"
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 Exoplanet (2010). Exoplanet is the debut studio album by American progressive metal band The Contortionist, released through Good Fight Entertainment on August 31, 2010. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Schecter Hellraiser C-7 through a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, the nearest rig we use for The Contortionist's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Primal Directive" Tone
What guitar did The Contortionist use on "Primal Directive"?
The guitar on "Primal Directive" (released 2010) isn't documented; the Schecter Hellraiser C-7 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Primal Directive" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, 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 "Primal Directive" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Primal Directive" 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 "Primal Directive" by The Contortionist are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.