How to Dial In "These Chains" by Toto - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "These Chains"
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). Their seventh studio album, produced by Toto, George Massenburg and Bill Payne and recorded in 1987, it was released on February 8, 1988. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Music Man Axis through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIB, the nearest rig to the one documented for Toto, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "These Chains" Tone
What guitar did Toto use on "These Chains"?
The guitar on "These Chains" (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 "These Chains" 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 "These Chains" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "These Chains" 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 "These Chains" by Toto are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.