How to Dial In "In the Shadows" by The Rasmus - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "In the Shadows"
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 Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. The biggest Finnish rock export of the 2000s and still enormously streamed. The guitar work is restrained by design — the hook is the vocal and the string arrangement, and Pauli Rantasalmi's part is a tight, mid-gain riff and palm-muted verse figure that leaves space for both. Keep the gain around 5 and the mids moderate rather than scooped; the track is dense and a scooped tone simply vanishes. The verses are almost clean, so use the guitar volume rather than a channel switch. Recorded 2003 in Stockholm and Helsinki with Mikael Nord Andersson and Martin Hansen, whose production is bright, compressed and very radio-shaped.
Common Questions About the "In the Shadows" Tone
What guitar did The Rasmus use on "In the Shadows"?
The Rasmus tracked "In the Shadows" on a Les Paul (released 2003). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "In the Shadows" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "In the Shadows" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "In the Shadows" 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 "In the Shadows" by The Rasmus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.