How to Dial In "Stab Me in the Back" by X Japan - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stab Me in the Back"
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 Jealousy (1991). Jealousy is the third studio album by Japanese heavy metal band X Japan, then known as simply X. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fernandes Vertigo through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for X Japan's other songs from Jealousy, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Stab Me in the Back" Tone
What guitar did X Japan use on "Stab Me in the Back"?
The guitar on "Stab Me in the Back" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Fernandes Vertigo 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 "Stab Me in the Back" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Stab Me in the Back" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stab Me in the Back" 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 "Stab Me in the Back" by X Japan are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.