How to Dial In "Mad World" by Within Temptation - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mad World"
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 Resist (2019). Resist is the seventh studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation, released on 1 February 2019 by Vertigo Records. The album's personnel list credits Ruud Jolie on lead guitar and Robert Westerholt and Stefan Helleblad on rhythm guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Horizon NT-II through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the nearest rig we use for Within Temptation's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Mad World" Tone
What guitar did Within Temptation use on "Mad World"?
The guitar on "Mad World" (released 2019) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Mad World" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Mad World" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mad World" 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 "Mad World" by Within Temptation are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.