How to Dial In "Higher Ground" by Thunder - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Higher Ground"
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 Backstreet Symphony (1990). Backstreet Symphony is the debut studio album by English hard rock band Thunder, released on 5 March 1990 by EMI. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Thunder's other songs from Backstreet Symphony, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Higher Ground" Tone
What guitar did Thunder use on "Higher Ground"?
The guitar on "Higher Ground" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Higher Ground" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, 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 "Higher Ground" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Higher Ground" 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 "Higher Ground" by Thunder are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.