How to Dial In "Tales of a Scorched Earth" by The Smashing Pumpkins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Tales of a Scorched Earth"
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 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). A fast, aggressive, heavy track with a thick, fuzzy riff and a shouted vocal. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM900 4100 Dual Reverb stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Tales of a Scorched Earth" Tone
What guitar did The Smashing Pumpkins use on "Tales of a Scorched Earth"?
The guitar on "Tales of a Scorched Earth" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Tales of a Scorched Earth" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Tales of a Scorched Earth" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Tales of a Scorched Earth" 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.
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Tone references for "Tales of a Scorched Earth" by The Smashing Pumpkins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.