How to Dial In "Dark Ages" by Yngwie Malmsteen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dark Ages"
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 Trilogy (1986). Trilogy is the third studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in October 1986 through Polydor Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Yngwie Malmsteen's other songs from Trilogy, 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 "Dark Ages" Tone
What guitar did Yngwie Malmsteen use on "Dark Ages"?
The guitar on "Dark Ages" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster 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 "Dark Ages" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Dark Ages" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dark Ages" 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 "Dark Ages" by Yngwie Malmsteen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.