How to Dial In "Big River" by Van Halen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big River"
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 A Different Kind of Truth (2012). A Different Kind of Truth is the twelfth and final studio album by American rock band Van Halen. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an EVH Wolfgang USA Custom Stealth through an EVH 5150III 50W, the rig we use for Van Halen's other songs from A Different Kind of Truth, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Big River" Tone
What guitar did Van Halen use on "Big River"?
The guitar on "Big River" (released 2012) isn't documented; the EVH Wolfgang USA Custom Stealth above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Big River" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Big River" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big River" 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 "Big River" by Van Halen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.