How to Dial In "Fire in the Hole" by Van Halen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Fire in the Hole"
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 Van Halen III (1998). A heavy, mid-tempo hard-rock track built on a thick, grinding riff with a squealing lead break. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Peavey Wolfgang through a Peavey 5150 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Fire in the Hole" Tone
What guitar did Van Halen use on "Fire in the Hole"?
The guitar on "Fire in the Hole" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Peavey Wolfgang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Fire in the Hole" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Fire in the Hole" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fire in the Hole" 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 "Fire in the Hole" by Van Halen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.