How to Dial In "316" by Van Halen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "316"
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 For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991). For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (often abbreviated as F.U.C.K.) is the ninth studio album by American rock band Van Halen. The album's article says Eddie Van Halen recorded it primarily through his 1989 Soldano SLO-100 rather than his Marshall Super Lead, using the Marshall sparingly and a prototype of the Peavey 5150 as well; the track list marks "316" as an instrumental, and the article ties no guitar to this track in particular, so a Music Man Axis through a Soldano SLO-100, the rig we use for Van Halen's other songs from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "316" Tone
What guitar did Van Halen use on "316"?
The guitar on "316" (released 1991) 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 "316" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "316" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "316" 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 "316" by Van Halen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.