How to Dial In "Faster Than the Speed of Light" by Yngwie Malmsteen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Faster Than the Speed of Light"
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 Odyssey (1988). Odyssey is the fourth studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released on 8 April 1988 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 Odyssey, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Faster Than the Speed of Light" Tone
What guitar did Yngwie Malmsteen use on "Faster Than the Speed of Light"?
The guitar on "Faster Than the Speed of Light" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck 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 "Faster Than the Speed of Light" 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 "Faster Than the Speed of Light" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Faster Than the Speed of Light" 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 "Faster Than the Speed of Light" by Yngwie Malmsteen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.