How to Dial In "Judgment Day" by Whitesnake - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Judgment Day"
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.
A heavy, slow-burning track on Slip of the Tongue, released in November 1989, the album on which Steve Vai played most of the guitar parts after Adrian Vandenberg injured his wrist. David Coverdale's vocal sits over a thick riff and a flashy, expressive Vai solo. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an Ibanez JEM and a Marshall stand in. Use the bridge pickup, a high-gain tone with a tight low end, and play the solo with wide vibrato and legato runs.
Common Questions About the "Judgment Day" Tone
What guitar did Whitesnake use on "Judgment Day"?
The guitar on "Judgment Day" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Ibanez JEM7V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Judgment Day" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Judgment Day" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Judgment Day" 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 "Judgment Day" by Whitesnake are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.