How to Dial In "Black Stars" by The Smashing Pumpkins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Black Stars"
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.
A 2026 single recorded for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping soundtrack. No source documents the rig, so a Stratocaster into a JCM900 stands in. A hot, saturated tone on the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Black Stars" Tone
What guitar did The Smashing Pumpkins use on "Black Stars"?
The guitar on "Black Stars" (released 2026) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Black Stars" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Black Stars" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Black Stars" 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 "Black Stars" by The Smashing Pumpkins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.