How to Dial In "Only the Children" by Toto - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Only the Children"
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 The Seventh One (1988). The Seventh One is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Toto. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Music Man Axis through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIB, the rig we use for Toto's other songs from The Seventh One, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Only the Children" Tone
What guitar did Toto use on "Only the Children"?
The guitar on "Only the Children" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Music Man Axis above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Only the Children" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Only the Children" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Only the Children" 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 "Only the Children" by Toto are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.