How to Dial In "Arms Like Boulders" by The War on Drugs - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Arms Like Boulders"
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 Wagonwheel Blues (2008). Wagonwheel Blues is debut album by American indie rock band the War on Drugs, released on 19 June 2008 by Secretly Canadian. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired, the nearest rig we use for The War on Drugs' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Arms Like Boulders" Tone
What guitar did The War on Drugs use on "Arms Like Boulders"?
The guitar on "Arms Like Boulders" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Arms Like Boulders" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Arms Like Boulders" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Arms Like Boulders" 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 "Arms Like Boulders" by The War on Drugs are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.