Misery Business Settings Resource
Amp, Guitar, and Pedals
Song: Misery Business
Artist: Paramore
Amp Model/Type: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Guitar Type/Style: Electric (SG-style)
Pedals/Effects: Overdrive
Misery Business Amp Settings Suggestions
- Bass: 5
- Mid: 6
- Treble: 6
- Gain: 7
- Presence: 6
- Master: 4
- Channel: Red (Modern Mode)
- Output Level: To taste (match band or mix volume)
- Solo Level: Optional / Off unless boosting

Set your amp's output first (master), channel volume, then your EQ.
Guitar-Related Tone Tips
1. Volume
- Set volume to 8-10 for maximum output and clarity.
- Ensure both guitar and amp volumes are matched to keep the drive responsive.
2. Tone
- Guitar tone knob should be set to 7-9 to retain clarity and brightness.
- On amp, keep mids slightly scooped, highs around 6-7, and lows at 5-6.
- Use a mild overdrive or crunch channel for aggressive rhythm tones.
3. Pickup Selector
- Bridge pickup is preferred for tight, punchy distortion.
- Switch to neck pickup only for warmer, clean interludes (if needed).
4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?
- Humbuckers are preferred for their higher output and less noise.
- They provide a fuller distortion tone perfect for pop-punk and post-hardcore styles.
5. Ideal Guitar Type (Electric, SG-style)
- Gibson or Epiphone SG-style guitars are great due to their humbuckers and solid mahogany body.
- Look for models with dual humbuckers and a comfortable neck-radius for fast rhythm playing.
- SG’s sharp, aggressive attack suits the tone of “Misery Business.”
Gear Recommended for Covering Misery Business
- Fender Telecaster: Bright, snappy tone ideal for the rhythm guitar parts.
- Gibson Les Paul: Great for powerful, full lead tones in the chorus and solo.
- Boss DS-1 Distortion: Classic distortion for crunchy punk-pop tone.
- Ibanez Tube Screamer: Adds midrange boost and warmth to overdriven parts.
- Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler: Useful for ambient layers and intro delay effects.
- Ernie Ball VP Jr Volume Pedal: Helps control dynamics between clean and distorted sections.
- Strymon BigSky Reverb: Adds depth and atmosphere without overpowering the mix.
- Marshall DSL40CR Amp: Versatile amp with solid distortion channel suited for pop-punk tones.
- Shure GLXD16 Wireless System: Reliable wireless with built-in tuner for live performance.
- TC Electronic Polytune 3: Fast and accurate tuning for quick changes.
Tone Tips and Best Practices
- Use high-output humbucker pickups for aggressive tone.
- Set distortion to medium-high gain for tight rhythm clarity.
- Scoop mids slightly on the amp EQ (around 400–800 Hz).
- Boost treble around 4–6 kHz for chord definition.
- Use palm muting with precise right-hand control for articulation.
- Place a Tube Screamer in front of the amp for mid boost and tighter gain.
- Use light delay and reverb only on leads to prevent mud.
- Use drop C# or standard tuning depending on desired range.
- Apply noise gate for tighter stops and cleaner transitions.
- Double-track rhythm guitars and pan 100% left/right for stereo width.
More Amp and Tone Settings Resources
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amp Settings
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Artists & Amp Settings
We link to products on Sweetwater and REverb that help support our site and keep the lights on. If you click through our orange buttons, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬


Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.