Paranoid by Black Sabbath — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To capture the iconic tone of 'Paranoid' by Black Sabbath, we'll use the Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities to approximate the Laney Supergroup amp and employ the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s to substitute for the SG with P-90 pickups. The Mustang's '04 CLASSIC ROCK' preset provides a solid foundation for the crunchy, mid-forward tone needed for this track.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — main guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Position Blade Switch | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone that matches the aggressive sound of the original recording. |
| Master Volume | 8 | Set high to drive the amp model and achieve the necessary crunch. |
| Tone 1 | Leave at default | Not used for the bridge pickup, which is controlled by Tone 2. |
| Tone 2 | 6 | Roll back slightly to tame any harshness from the single-coil bridge pickup. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — amplification
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset Select | 04 CLASSIC ROCK | This preset provides a solid base for the crunchy, mid-forward tone needed for 'Paranoid'. |
| Gain | 7 | Increase from the preset's default to achieve the saturated tube crunch characteristic of the recording. |
| Volume | 5 | Balance to ensure the amp model is driven without overpowering the mix. |
| Treble | 6 | Advisory evidence suggests this setting for clarity and brightness without harshness. |
| Bass | 5 | Keep moderate to maintain the mid-forward character without muddiness. |
| Master | 6 | Output level — set to the volume you're playing at; this sets loudness, not tone. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Effects | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
What Black Sabbath actually used
Recorded in June 1970 at Regent Sound Studios and Island Studios in London, 'Paranoid' was created spontaneously during a studio session. Tony Iommi's distinctive guitar tone was achieved through his modified Gibson SG, a custom-modified Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, and Laney amplification. The recording process emphasized a raw and straightforward approach, capturing the band's live energy.
- 1965 Gibson SG Special 'Monkey' — main. Modified with John Birch Simplux neck and Chromium bridge P-90 style pickups; polyurethane-lacquered fretboard
- Modified Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster — signal boost. Modified by John Birch for full-range boost
- Laney LA 100 SLP (Supergroup) — amplification. Driving a Laney 4x12 cabinet, likely with Celestion G12H speakers
- Neumann U67 Microphone — recording. Close mic placement
Tuning: Standard
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.guitarchalk.com/amp-settings-paranoid-black-sabbath/
- https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks-black-sabbath-paranoid
- https://www.tonedb.co/tones/black-sabbath/paranoid/lead-guitar