How to Dial In "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" by The Sonics - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"
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 Boom (1966). Boom is the second studio album by the American garage rock band the Sonics, released in February 1966. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Epiphone Riviera (E360TD) through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe (Tweed Deluxe), the rig we use for The Sonics' other songs from Boom, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" Tone
What guitar did The Sonics use on "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"?
The guitar on "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" (released 1966) isn't documented; the Epiphone Riviera (E360TD) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 9. 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 "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" 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 "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" by The Sonics are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.