How to Dial In "Hold Me" by Weezer - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hold Me"
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 Make Believe (2005). Their fifth studio album, produced by Rick Rubin, it was released on 10 May 2005 by Geffen Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig to the one documented for Weezer, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it a half step down (E♭ standard).
Common Questions About the "Hold Me" Tone
What guitar did Weezer use on "Hold Me"?
The guitar on "Hold Me" (released 2005) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s 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 "Hold Me" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Hold Me" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hold Me" 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 "Hold Me" by Weezer are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.