How to Dial In "Once" by Van Halen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Once"
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). Van Halen III is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band Van Halen, released on 17 March 1998 by Warner Bros. Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Peavey Wolfgang through a Peavey 5150, the rig we use for Van Halen's other songs from Van Halen III, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Once" Tone
What guitar did Van Halen use on "Once"?
The guitar on "Once" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Peavey Wolfgang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Once" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, 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 "Once" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Once" 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 "Once" by Van Halen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.